Read indepth magazine
Lürssen’s Legacy in Scale: The Three Largest Yachts Ever Built by the German Shipyard
As the yachting world celebrates 150 years of Lürssen, one of the most storied and influential shipyards in maritime history, we reflect on three of its most extraordinary creations. These are the largest yachts ever delivered by the German yard, each one a landmark in scale, design and engineering, and each representing a distinct chapter in the evolution of modern superyacht building. While Lürssen's most recent launch, DEEP BLUE, recently made global headlines as part of their anniversary celebrations, the following three vessels remain the shipyard's most significant accomplishments in terms of size and impact. Together, they tell a story not only of technical mastery but also of a legacy built on discretion, ambition and excellence.
Launched in 2013, AZZAM continues to hold the title of the longest private yacht in the world. Measuring 180.6 metres, she remains an astonishing achievement of naval architecture and propulsion engineering.
Built in complete secrecy and delivered with minimal fanfare, AZZAM is a masterclass in scale without compromise. Her sleek profile, designed by Nauta Yachts, belies the complexity within: a powerful propulsion system combining gas turbines and waterjets enables her to reach speeds of over 30 knots, an extraordinary feat for a yacht of this size.
Despite her immense dimensions, AZZAM was completed in just three years from first steel cutting to delivery, a testament to the precision and capability of the Lürssen team. Her interior, crafted by Christophe Leoni, remains tightly guarded, in keeping with the owner's preference for privacy.
Delivered in early 2022, BLUE is Lürssen’s second largest yacht to date and among the top five largest yachts in the world. Constructed under the project name BLUE, she represents a new generation of Lürssen design, one that prioritises sustainability as well as stature.
At 160 metres in length, BLUE is defined by a strong, balanced profile and vast outdoor spaces across multiple decks. While official details remain scarce, it is known that she features an advanced diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, reflecting the yard’s increasing commitment to environmentally conscious innovation.
Her launch reaffirmed Lürssen’s position at the forefront of large yacht construction, setting a new standard for integrating size with elegance and technical complexity.
Launched in 2016, DILBAR is the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage, with an interior volume of approximately 15,917 gross tonnes. Built for extended world cruising in supreme comfort, DILBAR is both a floating palace and a marvel of maritime engineering.
Her Espen Øino designed exterior is instantly recognisable, while her interiors, designed by Winch Design, are among the most voluminous ever built. Among the many records she holds is the installation of the largest swimming pool ever seen on a private yacht.
Despite her scale, DILBAR is engineered for quiet, smooth cruising, powered by one of the most sophisticated diesel-electric propulsion systems ever fitted to a yacht. She exemplifies the upper limit of what is possible in superyacht construction, where size, luxury and performance co-exist in rare equilibrium.
...
While these three vessels remain Lürssen’s most imposing achievements by size, the yard’s recent 134.2-metre launch, DEEP BLUE, marks a symbolic turning point. Delivered on the exact date of Lürssen’s 150th anniversary, it signals not only a celebration of the past but a clear step into the future, a future where size remains impressive, but design, sustainability and innovation increasingly define excellence.
As the yachting industry evolves, so too does Lürssen’s ambition. But with AZZAM, BLUE and DILBAR, the shipyard has already left an indelible mark on the top end of yacht building and set benchmarks that may endure for years to come.
"Dilbar is a proud example of the size palette Lürssen can build..."
"Dilbar is a proud example of the size palette Lürssen can build..."
Peter Lürssen, CEO, Lürssen