Superyacht Builders

Superyacht Builders FAQ

Here are the answers to frequently asked superyacht builder questions.

Who is the largest builder of superyachts?

When it comes to sheer scale, Lürssen from Germany stands tall as the largest superyacht builder. They’re renowned for crafting some of the world’s biggest and most luxurious yachts, including the legendary Azzam, which, at 180 meters, holds the title of the world’s longest private yacht.

Who builds the best superyachts?

The crown for building the “best” superyachts often goes to Feadship, a Dutch shipyard famous for its meticulous craftsmanship and fully customized yachts. If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of luxury, innovation, and attention to detail, Feadship is hard to beat. Lürssen and Oceanco are also top contenders, consistently delivering masterpieces that push the boundaries of design and technology.

Where are superyachts built?

Superyachts are built in some of the world’s leading maritime hubs, including:

• Germany (home to Lürssen and Nobiskrug)
• Netherlands (Feadship, Oceanco, Heesen)
• Italy (Benetti, Azimut, Sanlorenzo)
• UK (Sunseeker)
• USA (Palmer Johnson, Lazzara)
• Taiwan (Horizon Yachts)

These countries house the top shipyards where the finest superyachts take shape.

What is the largest yacht-making company?

The title of the largest yacht maker, by sheer volume, belongs to the Azimut-Benetti Group from Italy. They dominate the industry with their extensive range, producing everything from stylish motor yachts to majestic superyachts, cementing their place as a global leader in the yachting world.

These shipyards set the bar for luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation, offering the very best the superyacht world has to offer.

Superyacht Builders: Masterminds Behind the World’s Most Luxurious Vessels

Superyacht builders are behind some of the most opulent boats in the world, merging luxury with precision engineering.

The top shipyards include names like Abeking & Rasmussen, Benetti, Feadship, Lürssen, Heesen, and Oceanco, each known for their ability to craft highly customized yachts that reflect the owner’s desires.

These shipyards are located across Europe, primarily in countries with a strong maritime tradition such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Here’s a deeper dive into the world of luxury superyacht builders.

Abeking & Rasmussen

Founded in 1907, Abeking & Rasmussen is a German shipyard renowned for its innovative designs and state-of-the-art technology. Specializing in custom superyachts over 60 meters in length, this shipyard is known for producing some of the world’s most luxurious and highly personalized yachts

One of their standout models is the 72.5-meter superyacht “Elandess,” which exemplifies their precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. Clients working with Abeking & Rasmussen benefit from a rich tradition of quality paired with forward-thinking designs.

Benetti

Benetti, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious superyacht builders, has been crafting luxury yachts since 1873. Known for blending Italian elegance with robust engineering, Benetti specializes in both fully custom and semi-custom yachts ranging from 30 meters to over 100 meters.

One of their recent masterpieces is the 63-meter superyacht “Metis,” which combines luxurious interior design with impeccable naval architecture. Benetti’s ability to create striking designs and cutting-edge features has made them a leader in the superyacht industry.

Feadship

Feadship, a Dutch shipyard, is synonymous with custom-built superyachts. With a history that spans over 70 years, Feadship is celebrated for creating one-of-a-kind vessels that are often considered floating works of art. Every yacht that leaves the Feadship shipyard is a unique creation designed in close collaboration with the client.

Their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in vessels like the 94-meter “Lady S,” equipped with a two-level IMAX cinema. Feadship prides itself on bringing its clients’ visions to life while pushing the boundaries of naval engineering.

Lürssen

Another German titan in the world of superyacht builders is Lürssen, a family-owned shipyard with over 140 years of experience. Lürssen is renowned for producing some of the largest and most technologically advanced yachts, including the iconic 180-meter superyacht “Azzam,” one of the largest yachts in the world.

This shipyard is known for integrating innovative features like helicopter hangars, submarines, and onboard hospitals. Lürssen’s reputation for discretion and its ability to create fully custom megayachts makes it a favorite among ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking extreme luxury and privacy.

Heesen

Based in the Netherlands, Heesen Yachts is a shipyard that specializes in the construction of aluminum and steel yachts. Founded in 1978, Heesen has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to naval architecture and its ability to deliver yachts with superior performance.

The shipyard focuses on lightweight, fast yachts, such as the 50-meter “Home,” one of the world’s first superyachts equipped with hybrid propulsion. This emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge technology sets Heesen apart in the competitive world of superyacht builders.

Oceanco

Another heavyweight from the Netherlands, Oceanco is celebrated for its expertise in building ultra-luxury yachts over 80 meters. Known for collaborating with world-class designers, Oceanco delivers bespoke yachts that combine art and function.

Their standout projects include the 106.7-meter “Black Pearl,” one of the largest and most eco-friendly sailing yachts in the world, which boasts advanced energy-saving technologies. Oceanco’s vision for innovation and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in the new generation of superyacht builders.

Admiral Yachts

Part of the Italian Sea Group, Admiral Yachts has been constructing luxury yachts since 1966. Their portfolio includes a range of sleek, modern yachts that are known for their elegance and technological sophistication.

Admiral’s approach focuses on blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering fully custom yachts with advanced features like underwater lighting and infinity pools. The 65-meter “Admiral Geco” is one of their most luxurious creations, showcasing the brand’s signature Italian flair and attention to detail.

CRN

Located in the historic shipbuilding region of Ancona, Italy, CRN has been building custom superyachts since 1963. Specializing in steel and aluminum construction, CRN’s yachts range from 40 meters to over 100 meters. Each yacht is a fully custom creation, tailored to the client’s specifications.

The 62-meter “Voice” is an example of CRN’s commitment to bespoke design, featuring a striking exterior by Nuvolari Lenard and a highly personalized interior. CRN is recognized for its ability to create sophisticated, luxurious vessels that push the envelope of modern design.

Damen Yachting

An offshoot of the renowned Damen Shipyards Group, Damen Yachting is known for its robust explorer yachts and support vessels. These yachts are designed for clients who desire both luxury and adventure, allowing them to explore remote destinations without sacrificing comfort.

One of their standout models is the “SeaXplorer,” a range of vessels that can navigate extreme environments while offering opulent living spaces. Damen’s focus on exploration and capability makes it a unique player in the superyacht industry.

Royal Huisman

With a history dating back to 1884, Royal Huisman is one of the most prestigious superyacht builders in the world. Specializing in the construction of high-performance sailing yachts, Royal Huisman is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The Dutch shipyard has been responsible for some of the world’s most iconic sailing yachts, including the 81-meter “Sea Eagle II,” one of the largest aluminum sailing yachts ever built. Royal Huisman’s dedication to innovation and performance sets it apart from other shipyards.

Top 20 Superyacht Builders in the World

The top 20 superyacht builders in the world today are:

• Abeking & Rasmussen
• Admiral
• Baglietto
• Benetti
• Bilgin
• CDM
• Codecasa
• CRN
• Damen Yachting
• Delta Marine
• Feadship
• Heesen
• ISA
• Lloyd Werft
• Lurssen
• Mangusta
• Nobiskrug
• Oceanco
• Royal Huisman
• Turquoise

Conclusion

The world of superyacht builders is defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to luxury. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, high-performance sailing yacht or a sprawling megayacht equipped with every imaginable amenity, these shipyards deliver unparalleled quality.

From the precise German engineering of Lürssen and Abeking & Rasmussen to the Italian elegance of Benetti and CRN, each shipyard has its own unique style and expertise. Collaborating with any of these superyacht builders ensures that every new vessel is a masterpiece tailored to the owner’s desires.