One of the keenest spectators aboard the forthcoming sea trials of the magnificent 180-metre Lürssen superyacht Azzam, which launched earlier this month, is going to be the yard’s managing partner Peter Lürssen. “When almost 100,000 horsepower drives a 180-metre yacht at 30-knots plus it’s going to be quite an experience. It’ll be quite a day!” he told SuperYachtWorld.



The power for the new largest yacht in the world comes from a combination of two gas turbines and two diesel engines, producing a total of 70,000kW, or 94,000 horsepower.



One of the most striking reactions from the yachting community is the universal admiration for the look of the yacht, designed by Nauta Yachts. With a 20.8-metre beam, the yacht is a sleek and athletic beauty. “It’s not outrageous in looks just to make a design statement,” says Peter Lürssen. “The owner has a very clear idea of how he wants to use the boat but he also told the designer ‘make it look good’. When work starts on a long, slender yacht it’s often the case that more volume is added as the project develops. But the owner’s objective was adhered to and the brief for the usable spaces stayed the same.”

The yacht is due to be delivered by the end of the year.