In 2017, the title of most expensive yacht in the world belonged to a vessel that combined rare materials, custom art, and advanced naval engineering. This floating mega-yacht represented the peak of personal maritime luxury, setting price and design benchmarks that still influence new projects today.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the 2017 record holder, its key performance indicators, owner profile, and standout features that justified its unprecedented valuation and global headlines.
| Yacht Name | Record Title | Price (2017) | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azzam | Most Expense Yacht (by price) | Over 600 million USD | Length, stealth-like design, and gas turbine propulsion |
| Length | Overall | 180.6 meters (592.6 feet) | Longest yacht publicly listed at launch |
| Beam | Width | 20.8 meters (68.3 feet) | Enormous interior volume for cabins and amenities |
| Speed | Top Speed | Over 30 knots (55+ km/h) | Unusual for a vessel of this size and luxury |
| Builder | Shipyard | Lurssen (Germany) | Heritage of crafting elite custom yachts |
Design and Naval Architecture Highlights
The design of Azzam emphasized both performance and discretion, with a long waterline and fine bow entries that reduce wave resistance. Naval architects optimized the hull form for fuel efficiency at high speeds while preserving interior stability in open water.
Exterior styling relied on clean lines, minimal radar signature, and extensive use of tinted glass to protect privacy. The silhouette features a slightly raked superstructure and concealed exhaust outlets to keep the appearance as streamlined as possible.
Interior Spaces and Custom Amenities
Inside, the yacht offered multiple decks of living areas, including grand salons, dining rooms, and owner suites finished with rare marbles, leathers, and custom woodwork. Each cabin was tailored to individual specifications, with ergonomic layouts that maximize both comfort and visual openness.
Special features include a cinema, multiple swimming platforms, a tender garage, and aviation facilities for a helicopter. Advanced climate control, lighting scenes, and audio-visual integration ensure that every environment can be calibrated to personal preferences.
Performance and Range Capabilities
Propulsion is provided by a combined gas turbine and diesel setup, allowing flexible operation between high-speed sprinting and economical cruising. This hybrid approach extends range while still delivering the thrilling acceleration expected from a vessel of this caliber.
Operational range is tailored to intercontinental itineraries, supporting weeks at sea without frequent refueling. Integrated bridge systems and sensor suites enable crew to monitor stability, trim, and efficiency in real time for optimized voyages.
Ownership and Operational Context
Although exact ownership details remain private, the yacht is widely reported to be owned by a prominent Middle Eastern business family with a history of investing in high-end transportation. This ownership profile aligns with regions where discretionary spending on art, architecture, and yachting is highly visible and culturally significant.
Operational teams coordinate worldwide charters, maintenance slots, and security protocols through specialist brokers and management companies. Such comprehensive oversight helps protect the asset, manage regulatory compliance, and maintain the yacht’s pristine condition year round.
Key Takeaways on the 2017 Record Holder
- Set the benchmark for price, length, and performance in 2017
- Combined gas turbine and diesel power for flexibility and efficiency
- Delivered unprecedented interior volume despite a stealthy hull design
- Required international crew coordination and advanced management systems
- Continues to influence design standards for subsequent megayacht projects
FAQ
Reader questions
What made Azzam the most expensive yacht in 2017?
Its record price stemmed from rare gas turbine propulsion, pioneering length, extensive use of custom materials, and the complexity of coordinating a build of this scale at Lurssen.
How does the size of Azzam compare to other megayachts?
At 180.6 meters, it remained the longest yacht for several years, significantly longer than contemporaries, which typically top out around 150 meters.
What are the standout performance features of this yacht?
Capable of speeds over 30 knots, it combines high performance with the luxury appointments and automation systems expected from a modern flagship. Owners are usually individuals or families with substantial net worth, often from sectors such as energy, finance, or technology, and who value privacy, customization, and exclusivity.