biggest catamaran ship

Top 10 largest Catamarans in the world

Characterised as a multi-hulled watercraft, a catamaran is a marine vessel comprising two proportioned hulls giving her greater stability and manoeuvrability. Catamarans also have a shallow draft which enables them to enter unexplored regions beyond the reach of sailing yachts or cruise ships.

Their invention is attributed to the Austronesian peoples of Southeast Asia, while the first European Catamaran was built in the 16th century by scientist William Petty. Capable of attaining greater speeds, catamarans are used for recreational sailing, cruising and racing. Modern Catamarans have luxurious features and marvellous design, which makes them enticing.

Let us have a look at the top 10 biggest catamarans in the world.

Table of Contents

1. Hodor ( 217 Ft.)

Renowned as the world’s largest floating toy box, the 66.2 m long SHADOWCAT Hodor was built by Astilleros Armon in Spain. Incat Crowther and YCTS. Ltd worked on her functional design and naval architecture, while the interiors were chosen by Oliver Design. Painted grey with vibrant orange lines running across its hull, the catamaran is as robust as it looks.

Launched in 2019, she has a maximum sailing speed of 22.5 knots derived from two MTU diesel engines. With a 14-metre beam, she has a gross tonnage of 1525 tonnes respectively. In terms of LOA, she ranks among the top five per cent in the world. She defeats her counterparts both by average speed and volume.

She is donned with aluminium; her hull, deck and even superstructure are made of this malleable and corrosion-resistant metal. Presently sailing under the flag of the Cayman Islands, Hodor is a treasure-house of water sports gear, filled with nine jet skis, four water bikes, laser dinghies, snorkelers, fishing equipment etc.

The empty space below the main deck is reserved for the Seamagine Aurora-3 submersible which will be delivered soon. Its main attraction is the 17-metre Nor-Tech 560 sports centre console attached to a hydraulic lift system for putting it in water. The largest catamaran is managed by 20 crew members and staff.

2. Sunreef 49 Power Cat ( 160.8 Ft)

Constructed by the Polish builder Sunreef Yachts, the multihull was fitted in Gdansk and delivered in 2021. Flaunting a classy white exterior, it is an embodiment of cutting-edge marine technology and fresh naval design.

It has three decks and expansive outdoor areas, including an open bar, a swimming pool, a helipad and a forward terrace. Its sun deck lounge has a spa pool, sun pads and even a saloon. With a broad beam of 16.85 metres, the yacht has 8 cabins which comfortably sleep 17 crew personnel and offers luxury accommodation for 11 guests. Five bedrooms on the main deck are equipped with a private balcony.

Low drag, a consequence of the specially designed twin-hull, makes the catamaran glide gracefully on the water while optimising efficiency and low fuel consumption. It has a 90,000-litre fuel tank which enables the power cat to cover 5000 nautical miles without a stopover. Driven by two 3400 HP engines, the superyacht has a top speed of 21 knots and carries three tenders, water sports gear and several jet skis.

3. Charley ( 150 Ft.)

Charley was launched in 2016 as a support yacht to serve the superyacht White Rabbit Gulf, both constructed by the shipbuilding company Eco Yachts. The 46 m long and 14 m wide catamaran has a white exterior, three teak decks and modern fittings. Its naval architecture, interiors and exterior design were taken care of by LOMOcean.

Labelled as the largest composite resin-infused yacht made in Australia, Charley was carefully assembled near Fremantle. With a volume of 702 gross tonnes, she has spacious interiors and outdoor entertainment areas to keep her guests engaged.

However, her most attractive feature is the 12-metre long tender catamaran called Vicky, equipped with a platform located at Charley’s stern. It can store some RIBs, tenders, personal watercraft and one hovercraft.

Propelled by two 2,700hp Cummins QSK60 engines and two propellers, Charley has a 60,000-litre fuel tank which enables her to travel 2,500 nautical miles at the cruising speed of 16 knots.

She has a 3.2 m draft which allows her to traverse shallow bays and narrow canals or even cruise near the shoreline. Possessing a GRP hull and superstructure, Charley has three suites for taking in 5 guests.

4. Moecca ( 148 Ft.)

The catamaran motor yacht Moecca was constructed by Oceanfast yachts in Australia. Designed to provide a luxurious sailing experience with moderately-decorated functional spaces, it has a simplistic classic exterior. Delivered in 1992, it underwent maintenance and repair in 2006. Refurbished in the same year, Moecca is fully air-conditioned, having expansive outdoor areas for sunbathing and relaxing.

Her curves are spectacular, thanks to Bannenberg Designs Limited, which crafted her exterior while Phill Curran was responsible for naval architecture. Having a 13 m or 42.7 feet beam, she has seven suites that conveniently accommodate 12 guests and six small yet well-furnished cabins for 11 crew members.

Its spacious salon has two seating areas, a home-theatre set-up and a 12-seater alfresco dining room connected to a bar and a refrigeration room. Her aft deck is enriched with circular sofas and side tables. More open space is provided on the upper deck, which incorporates an open pool and a small workout space. All these amenities are curated by the English design house Bannenberg and Rowell.

She can travel 2200 nautical miles at a maximum speed of 25 knots, achieved by two powerful MTU diesel engines. Moecca is sturdy yet elegant, with a green aluminium hull and a GRP superstructure. Her sides are panelled with mildly-fragrant wood. She has a 1.8 m draft and water tanks capable of storing 15,000 litres of fresh water.

5. HeySea Vista ( 140 Ft.)

Launched in 2020, the golden hulled Vista is an amalgamation of absolute royalty and finesse. Constructed by the Hey Sea Yachts Group, a prominent yacht manufacturer in China, Vista is a fully custom-designed project built in a 66,700 square m shipyard lying in the Pearl River Delta region near Hong Kong. One of the most challenging aspects of its construction was to attain a perfect shimmering gold finish, achieved by delicate yet continuous polishing.

Her stylish appearance and functional naval design were crafted by the Heysea marine architects and interior designers. The twin-hull allows for voluminous interiors carefully chosen by Horizontal Design to match her stunning fibreglass superstructure.

Vista is adorned with beautiful paintings showcasing marine life, modern art pieces and metallic fittings. She has five bedrooms that comfortably sleep 10 people. The yacht is managed by a 15-member crew.

Coming to the technicalities, she is driven by two Volvo 725 HP engines allowing her to reach a top speed of 15 knots. The vessel can go up to 4000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. Vista has been the biggest project of HeySea, which brought her international appreciation.

6. Sarha ( 137 Ft.)

Registered at the Port of George Town and sailing under the Cayman Islands Flag, Sarha is a 40 m motor yacht built by Sea Management, fabricated in Australia and launched in 1989. With its sleek white exterior and blue windows, she is a piece of sheer beauty and class.

She was designed by John Winterbotham & Partners while her interiors were done by H2 Yacht Design. Refitted in 2002, she boasts a steel hull and an aluminium and steel superstructure complemented by a fine teak deck with spacious seating areas.

Sarha can travel 3000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots, and her top speed is 13 knots. She is fitted with two 2340 HP diesel engines that generate 1722 kilowatts. She is driven by two propellers and Koopnautic thrusters. Her home port is Abu Dhabi, and her water tanks carry 20,000 litres of fresh water.

Sarha can accommodate 30 guests and 11 crew members in beautiful, well-ventilated cabins having double beds. She has a gross tonnage of 726 tonnes and a 500-tonne displacement. Having a wide beam of 12.9 m, she has a shallow draft of about 2.7 metres.

7. Royal Falcon One ( 135 Ft.)

Flaunting a modern naval design, Royal Falcon One is a stunner of the Singapore-based yacht builder, Royal Falcon Fleet. Curated by the renowned Porsche Design Studio, she has been described as a Spaceship on Water by her makers, while some compare her to a sports car. She has an aluminium hull and superstructure and three teak decks.

Enriched with appealing aesthetics, this dual-hulled yacht offers the highest comfort and luxury. She has five cabins to accommodate 10 guests, three master suites and a lounge on the main deck. Its main attraction is the saloon which offers a 360-degree ocean view due to its glass walls.

The 12.5 m broad beam allows for more entertainment and relaxation space. Its sundeck has a jacuzzi and a steam sauna. The crew cabins are located near the stern, concealed by the ship’s twin hulls. Delivered in 2019, it has a maximum speed of 35 knots, a 1.7 m draft and a gross tonnage of 499 tonnes.

8. Silver Cloud (134 Ft.)

Portraying exemplary marine engineering , Silver Cloud was constructed by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany. Infused with a small waterplane area twin hull, commonly called SWATH, its distinguishing feature is smooth sailing in harsh waters, especially the North Sea.

It was sold for 16 million dollars to Alexander Wallace Dreyfoos Junior, an American businessman based in New York. As per news reports, the vessel will be renamed Nurja. With a 58 feet beam and a 13.5-foot draft, she has a maximum speed of 14 knots.

Silver Cloud is the two-time winner of the World Superyacht Award, owing to its highly trained crew and world-class reputation. It has five cabins that comfortably sleep 12 guests, equipped with televisions and private bathrooms. The main attraction is the saloon with large windows and glass doors, designed by Michael Kirschstein. It also contains a spa, gymnasium, diving equipment and a helipad.

9. Zenith ( 131 Feet)

Constructed by Australia-based Sabre Catamarans in 2012, the 40.5 m Zenith is a luxury motor yacht which redefines sophistication and style. She has a 10.5 m beam, a 1.5 m draft and an interior volume of 461 gross tonnes. She was sold in 2018 for a whopping 19 million dollars.

Her luxurious cabins can take in 10 guests, designed by Water Line, while her eye-catching exteriors were chosen by Incat Crowther. Having an aluminium hull and superstructure, she can attain a top speed of 29 knots due to the powerful MTU engines. Her fuel tanks can hold up to 51,800 litres of diesel, while freshwater tanks can carry 3790 litres.

American rock maple was used for interior panelling along with Queensland Maple. It has a spacious open lounge with four sofas. The main deck features a lavish dining area attached to a fully equipped media room and a cocktail bar.

10. The Beast ( 129 Ft.)

Described as somewhat different and unique by her owners, the Beast is true to its name. Having a military-type camouflage exterior, she is not easy to spot among other sailing vessels. She belongs to the entrepreneur, Sir Michael Hill and has several interesting features, the first being a 13 m fishing boat fitted on its main deck, known as Baby beast.

Winner of several awards, the Beast is 39.2 metres long and has a volume of 493 gross tonnes. She was delivered in 2019 by Profab Central Engineering Limited, and her decor was styled by the famous Oceania Interiors. She has a master suite and five cabins for sleeping 12 guests and accommodation for nine crew members.

Known for her outstanding seagoing capabilities, the Beast is available for charter in the South Pacific. Having a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she is loaded with the latest water gear such as four kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing and diving equipment. She can reach a top speed of 15 knots while her cruising speed is 10 knots.

You might also like to read:

• Top 10 Biggest RoRo Ships In The World
• 5 Biggest Tanker Ships In the World
• 5 Biggest and Magnificent Sailing Ships of All Time
• 10 Most Expensive Cruise Ships
• Top 10 Biggest LNG Ships

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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The top ten largest catamarans for charter

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Written by Chelsea Smith

Have you been considering whether a catamaran yacht charter is right for you? There are many reasons to charter a luxury catamaran and our list of the top ten luxury charter catamarans below may just sway your opinion!

The largest cat on our top ten list of largest catamarans is the superyacht HEMISPHERE which measures an impressive 44.20m (145′). Others on the list include the famous DOUCE FRANCE and NECKER BELLE along with the power catamaran QUARANTA. With the exception of the motor cat ISLAND PASSAGE, all the luxury catamarans can accommodate a maximum of 8 -12 yacht charter guests.

HEMISPHERE – 44.20m (145′)

44-metre Pendennis catamaran yacht Hemisphere with naval architecture by VPLP

Superyacht HEMISPHERE is one of the largest sailing catamarans in the world, and is the largest catamaran available for luxury yacht charters. She was launched in 2011 and measures 44.20m (145′). Luxury yacht HEMISPHERE is built Pendennis Shipyard in the UK and features naval architecture by Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP). Her huge size means she can afford every luxury as well as sail or motor at high speeds. She is able to accommodate up to 12 guests in luxury in 4 double and 1 twin cabin.

See the next 9 largest luxury catamarans for charter here…

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The top ten largest catamarans for charter".

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Catamaran Hemisphere

44.20m, (145') - Sleeps 12 Guests

Home › All Yachts › Catamaran Hemisphere

Right from the start, HEMISPHERE is in a league of her own. The world's largest luxury charter catamaran, HEMISPHERE boasts the ultimate fusion of extravagance and dynamic performance. This stunning 44.2m (145') sailing yacht commands unrivalled presence whether sailing or at anchor. HEMISPHERE will be available for charter in the stunning destinations of the Grenadines and Costa Rica until May 2024 and then in the idyllic islands of French Polynesia from August 2024.

Built by Pendennis and designed by renowned naval architects and multihull specialists, Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost, her interior concept by Michael Leach Design can be described as "Polynesian Six Star Luxury": 15 varieties of stone, 18 different leathers, a soothing palette and blend of finishes including walnut soles, brushed oak and wengé, make HEMISPHERE a charter connoisseur's dream.

At 44.2m, her imposing size allows ample room for all the luxuries her charter guests could desire. A performance catamaran, HEMISPHERE is stable at sea as well and quick to respond when her 2 x 490hp Caterpillar engines are employed. HEMISPHERE accommodates up to 12 charter guests, and no two staterooms are identical. The two VIP masters are located forward of the main saloon, both with ensuite shower rooms. These staterooms can be adapted into a single master suite via a retractable joining door. In addition charter guests are accommodated in 2 double staterooms plus a twin stateroom with two pullman berths, all with ensuite shower rooms. The TV room on the main deck, boasts a Kaleidescape system where charter guests can choose from hundreds of movies and games. Wi-Fi and socket connections, Satcom and Cellular communications facilities, Satellite TV, iPod docking stations and MP3 connections are throughout the vessel. There's a 61" plasma TV in the lower saloon, 42" plasmas in the VIP staterooms and 32" LCD TVs in charter guest staerooms.

Outside, the flybridge affords massive deck space for recreation, and an inviting seating area surrounds the spa pool. The main aft deck features a fascinating oval-shaped glass table, etched with a map of the world's seven continents. The lavish formal dining area is located on the deck below.

As for water sports and toys, HEMISPHERE'S options are nearly limitless for charter guests. In addition to an 8.2m Scorpion tender with 315hp Yamaha inboard, HEMISPHERE comes equipped with a 16.4m (54ft) F&S custom sport fishing boat for game fishing, diving and guest excursions. There is a 4.5m Castoldi jet wave rider with Yanmar 125hp engine, full scuba diving gear for 12 guests, water skis, five water scooters, two Seabobs, wake boards, kneeboard, kayaks, paddle boards, tow toys, a 4.8m inflatable water trampoline and a 1m high 2.4m professional diving board!

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Biggest Ship in the World

The world’s largest ship has always been a topic of fascination for people around the world. The size, scale, and engineering marvels involved in building such a vessel have always been a source of awe and wonder. The largest ships currently sailing the world’s oceans are the Emma Maersk class vessels, which are over 1300 feet long and can carry more than 15,000 containers.

However, the title of the world’s largest ship is constantly changing as new vessels are constructed. In recent years, the title has been held by the likes of the Prelude FLNG, a floating liquefied natural gas platform, and the Pioneering Spirit, a vessel designed for decommissioning large offshore oil rigs. These ships are not only massive in size but also represent the cutting edge of engineering and technology.

Despite the awe-inspiring size of these vessels, they also pose significant challenges. Ports must be equipped to handle such large vessels, and the environmental impact of such large ships is a growing concern. Nevertheless, the quest to build ever larger and more impressive ships continues, and the world can only wait to see what new marvels of engineering will emerge next.

Table of Contents

Understanding Ship Dimensions

Ship dimensions are a crucial aspect of ship design, as they determine the ship’s size, capacity, and capabilities. The size of a ship is typically measured in terms of its length, beam, and draft.

Length : The length of a ship is the distance between its bow and stern. It is usually measured along the waterline, which is the line where the hull meets the water. The length of a ship can vary greatly, ranging from small boats to massive container ships. For example, the world’s largest container ship, the HMM Algeciras, has an overall length of 399.9 meters.

Beam : The beam of a ship is the width of its hull at its widest point. It is typically measured at the waterline. The beam of a ship can impact its stability and maneuverability. For example, wider ships may be more stable, but they may also be more difficult to maneuver in narrow waterways.

Draft : The draft of a ship is the distance between its waterline and the deepest part of its hull, usually the bottom of the keel. The draft of a ship can impact its ability to navigate in shallow waters. For example, ships with a shallow draft may be able to navigate in rivers and other shallow waterways that deeper-draft ships cannot.

In addition to these primary dimensions, there are several other important measurements that are used to describe a ship’s size and capacity:

Overall Length : The overall length of a ship is the distance between its extreme points, usually the bow and stern. This measurement includes any protrusions, such as the bow sprit or the stern platform.

Net Tonnage : Net tonnage is a measurement of a ship’s cargo-carrying capacity. It is calculated by subtracting the weight of the ship’s equipment, fuel, and other non-cargo items from its gross tonnage.

Gross Tonnage : Gross tonnage is a measurement of a ship’s total interior volume, including all enclosed spaces. It is used to determine a ship’s registration, taxes, and other fees.

Deadweight Tonnage : Deadweight tonnage is a measurement of a ship’s carrying capacity, including cargo, fuel, and other supplies. It is calculated by subtracting the ship’s lightweight (the weight of the ship when empty) from its loaded weight.

Understanding these dimensions is crucial for ship designers, operators, and regulators. By accurately measuring and describing a ship’s size and capabilities, they can ensure that it is safe, efficient, and compliant with relevant regulations.

Types of Large Ships

Ships come in all shapes and sizes, but some are bigger than others. The world’s largest ships are a marvel of engineering, capable of carrying immense amounts of cargo or passengers across the seas. Here are some of the most common types of large ships:

Container ships : These ships are designed to carry shipping containers, which are standardized metal boxes used to transport goods. Container ships are some of the largest ships in the world, with some capable of carrying over 20,000 containers. The largest container ship in the world is the HMM Algeciras, which is over 1,300 feet long.

Tankers : Tankers are designed to carry liquid cargo, such as oil or gas. They come in a variety of sizes, from small coastal tankers to massive supertankers that can carry over 2 million barrels of oil. The largest tanker ever built was the Seawise Giant, which was over 1,500 feet long.

Bulk carriers : Bulk carriers are designed to carry dry cargo, such as grain or coal. They are typically very large, with some capable of carrying over 400,000 tons of cargo. The largest bulk carrier in the world is the Valemax, which is over 1,200 feet long.

Passenger ships : Passenger ships come in a variety of sizes, from small riverboats to massive cruise ships that can carry thousands of passengers. Some of the largest passenger ships in the world are over 1,000 feet long and have amenities like swimming pools, theaters, and casinos.

Aircraft carriers : Aircraft carriers are warships that are designed to carry and launch military aircraft. They are some of the largest ships in the world, with some over 1,000 feet long. The largest aircraft carrier in the world is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is over 1,100 feet long.

Wooden ships : Wooden ships were once the most common type of ship in the world, but they have largely been replaced by steel ships. However, some wooden ships still exist today, and they are often used for tourism or as replicas of historic ships.

Nuclear-powered ships : Nuclear-powered ships use nuclear reactors to generate power, which can make them more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional ships. The most common type of nuclear-powered ship is the nuclear submarine, but there are also nuclear-powered icebreakers and cargo ships.

Largest Ships by Type

When it comes to the largest ships in the world, there are several categories to consider. This section will cover the largest container ships, cruise ships, tankers, and vessels by other categories.

Largest Container Ships

Container ships are among the largest vessels in the world. The largest container ship to date is the Ever Ace, which was launched in 2021 and can carry up to 23,992 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Other notable container ships include the Barzan and the OOCL Hong Kong, which can carry up to 19,870 and 21,413 TEUs, respectively.

Largest Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities and entertainment options. The largest cruise ship in the world is currently the Wonder of the Seas, which can accommodate up to 6,988 passengers and crew. Other notable cruise ships include the Iona, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis class ships.

Largest Tankers

Tankers are used to transport oil and other liquids across the world’s oceans. The largest tanker ever built was the Seawise Giant, which could carry up to 564,763 metric tonnes of oil. However, it was scrapped in 2010. The largest tanker currently in operation is the Pioneering Spirit, which is used to install and remove offshore oil platforms.

Largest Vessels by Other Categories

There are several other categories of large vessels, including crane vessels, catamaran crane vessels, and others. The SSCV Sleipnir is the largest crane vessel in the world, capable of lifting up to 20,000 metric tonnes. The largest catamaran in the world is the Hobart Catamaran, which is used for whale watching tours . Other notable vessels include the jackets, topsides, moorings, and modules used in offshore oil production.

Record Breaking Ships

Ships have been an integral part of human history, and over the years, they have grown in size and capacity, breaking records and setting new standards. Here are some of the most notable record-breaking ships:

Biggest Ship

The title of the biggest ship in the world has changed hands several times over the years. Currently, the title is held by the Prelude FLNG, a floating liquefied natural gas platform operated by Shell. It measures 488 meters in length and 74 meters in width, and it weighs around 600,000 tons when fully loaded.

Largest Ship

The title of the largest ship in the world, in terms of gross tonnage, is held by the Seawise Giant, also known as the Jahre Viking. It was built in 1979 and measured 458.45 meters in length and 68.8 meters in width. It had a gross tonnage of 564,650 tons and could carry up to 657,000 tons of crude oil.

Longest Ships

The title of the longest ship in the world is held by the Knock Nevis, previously known as the Seawise Giant. It was built in 1979 and measured 458.45 meters in length. However, it was scrapped in 2010. Currently, the longest ship in operation is the Pioneering Spirit, a platform installation and decommissioning vessel that measures 382 meters in length.

Other Notable Ships

Other notable ships include the Vale Brasil, a bulk carrier that can carry up to 400,000 tons of iron ore, and the Happy Giant, a heavy lift vessel that can carry up to 1,400 tons. The USS Enterprise, an aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy for over 50 years, was also one of the largest ships ever built.

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Oceanco’s Black Pearl: Everything you need to know about the biggest sailing yacht in the world

• Superyachts

The largest sailing yacht in the world, Oceanco's Black Pearl also boasts a hybrid diesel electric system and can reach 17.5 knots under power

That’s a big sailing boat!

It sure is! At 350ft (106.7m) long and built out of steel and aluminum by Netherlands based Oceanco, ‘Black Pearl’ is the biggest sailing boat in the world! She’s almost 50ft wide!

Hang on, ‘Sailing Yacht A’ is larger isn’t it?

Yes it is, considerably, but it’s not actually a sailing boat. ‘Sailing Yacht A’ is actually a sail assisted motor yacht. The sails help power it.

So ‘Black Pearl’ will run fuel free?

Completely. And I really do mean completely. Under the right conditions, as the boat sails and the propellers are dragged through the water they spin up to create efficient generators. Add the solar sails, and clever features like on board heat regeneration, and the sun and the wind will power the entire ship without burning a drop of diesel!

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That’s incredible but those masts look huge, it must take ages to set the sails.

The three 70m (230ft) tall DynaRig carbon masts were designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and support 2,900 square meters of sail. Amazingly, full sail can be set or furled at the touch of a button in just seven minutes.

But you can motor it too?

Of course. In addition to wind power, she is powered by a hybrid diesel electric system. 2 x 1080kW MTU’s linked to 2 x 400kW electrical propulsion motors.

How fast can it go?

17.5 knots under power, faster under sail. 30 knots is possible in the right conditions.

Presumably there’s plenty of space for people too?

Her accommodations include a master suite, two VIP suites, two double guest cabins and a full beam beach club, that converts into a cinema. There’s an all glass lift to take you between decks too, Willy Wonka would be proud.

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List of 6 Biggest Ships in the World (2023 Updated)

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

It’s hard not to marvel at something huge from a distance but a gigantic ship at sea is a sight to behold. Many think the Titanic as the biggest ship in history but its dimensions pale in comparison to those of modern ships let alone the biggest one.

Among the most gigantic ships in the world, the Ever-A class stands out for its length while the Pioneering Spirit’s gross tonnage easily takes the cake. Here are some of the biggest ships in the world and what makes each of them unique.

Table of Contents

Table for Largest Ship in the World by Type

1. ever alot (ever-a class), 2. pioneering spirit, 3. wonder of the seas, 4. uss gerald r ford, 5. sscv sleipnir, 6. ms ore brasil, what is the largest ship ever built, frequently asked questions, current largest ships.

I remember the feeling of awe I felt the first time I saw a big boat and could only imagine how amazing it would be to behold the largest boat in the world. My younger self could never have imagined the magnitude of a ship, let alone the biggest.

This list will cover the biggest boat or ship for specific classifications such as the largest cruise ship or carrier vessel. This way we won’t end up with a list full of nothing but one type of ship.

For this list, we will cover ships in the more traditional definition meaning they need to have a means of self-propulsion. Certain bigger structures such as the 1600-foot Prelude FLNG are not included because of their inability to move on their own.

The Ever Alot is one of the Ever A-class ships and is currently the biggest container ship in the world. Its sister ship, the Ever Ace, held the record previously in addition to being the longest ship in the world but was overtaken in June 2022.

Looking at its length of around 1312 feet (400 meters), you will find other container ships of comparable length such as the Triumph class and MSC class which are both also at 1312 feet in length.

The Ever A-class’s tonnage and beam measurement break the tie. Its 202-foot beam and over 235,000 gross tonnages surpass any other 400m class, earning it the title of the largest container ship. Currently, its route includes both Europe and Asia.

This is the biggest construction ship as well as the largest catamaran. Taking the manufacturer 4 years to build, It’s designed for both the installation and removal of gas and oil platforms while also taking on pipeline laying.

Entering service in 2016, it can lift weights of up to 48000 tons which greatly reduces the amount of time needed in setting up and decommissioning platforms. It can lift whole platforms using its cranes and place or remove them from placements in the sea.

Some of its most notable projects include the removal of Shell’s 24000-ton platform and the fastest single lift installation in Norway.

This 2.6 billion Euro ship is 1253 feet long and 407 feet wide. Most notable is its 403342 gross tonnage, which is bigger than any other vessel, making this the heaviest ship.

This 1188’x10’ cruise ship is currently the largest passenger ship in the world and can house over 7000 passengers along with over 2200-strong crew. While its 173-foot height loses out to the tallest ship in the world, the 525-foot-tall Golden Horizon; it gives no other concessions.

Guest accommodations include a suite with its own deck. Guest rooms, if you can call it that, are sectioned into areas akin to communities totaling 8 neighborhoods and have different establishments such as restaurants, music halls, and fitness centers.

With the vast number of attractions and facilities, the Wonder of the Seas resembles a city more than it does a ship. As for how much you can find aboard this vessel, its gross tonnage of 236,858 speaks for itself.

The USS Gerald R Ford holds the record for the biggest military ship currently in service at 1092 feet long, 256 feet wide, and a displacement ton of 112,000. It was commissioned in 2017.

It is currently the largest military ship after taking the title from the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and is the first of a new class of aircraft carriers. These ships represent the future of US military power, and the USS Gerald R Ford is tasked with spearheading this change.

It is known to be capable of carrying 75 aircraft, including the notoriously bulky Lockheed Martin F-35, along with a crew of around 4500. Interestingly, a new USS Enterprise (CVN-80) belonging to the Gerald R Ford class is expected to complete construction in 2028.

Named after the fastest horse with eight legs in Norse mythology, the SSCV Sleipnir is the current largest crane ship in the world. It takes on installation and decommissioning work as well as heavy lifting duties for offshore gas and oil facilities.

The Sleipnir is designed to be semi-submersible, which helps it perform subsea work. The vessel also hosts several modern features, such as LNG-fueling and a new type of silicon-based anti-fouling. A crew of 400 can also be housed comfortably in personal quarters on board.

The vessel has two cranes, each capable of lifting 10,000-ton loads which can also be used in tandem for more power. Being submersible leaves it with a variable draft of 12 to 32 meters.

While it is smaller compared to Titanic at just 721 feet, its 273,700 gross tonnage is exceeded only by the Pioneering Spirit, which holds the record for the highest GT. It runs 334.6 feet wide and reaches a speed of 12 knots.

The ship formerly known as the Vale Brasil is the first one constructed among seven similar large vessels for dry bulk transport. This ore carrier ship succeeded MS Berge Stahl as the biggest bulk carrier.

This ship was built by Daewoo Group, and it entered service in 2011. Since then, it’s been tasked with transporting iron ores from Brazil to different locations in Asia, such as China. It’s so heavy that its passage is limited to specific channels in Europe and China.

It is tasked with transporting iron ores from Brazil to different locations in Asia, such as China. South Korea’s Daewoo built it and entered service in 2011; it is so heavy that its passage is limited to specific channels in Europe and China. Its average speed is around 15 knots.

At 1188 feet long and 231 feet wide, this ship is not as long as a few others on our list, but these measurements are misleading. It’s actually a true heavyweight when all loaded up, considering its gross tonnage of 199,631, deadweight of over 400,000 tons, and 65-foot draft.

At 1504 feet long and 225 feet wide, the Seawise Giant is the biggest ship in history, but it was decommissioned in 2010 after 30 years of service.

This record-holding vessel had a gross tonnage of 260,941 and weighed 564,000 tons. It was so big that it was not able to pass through some of the world’s most important passages, such as the Suez Canal and the English Channel.

It was originally built in Japan by Sumitomo Industries in 1974 and was completed in 1979. The ship sank due to a missile attack in 1988 but was recovered and repaired afterward. It was renamed Happy Giant and was kept in service for 21 more years.

The then world’s largest vessel changed names six times, and it was named Mont for its final voyage for ship-breaking in India. It took 18000 laborers to dismantle it over a year.

What is the difference between a ship’s gross tonnage and its deadweight?

A ship’s gross tonnage refers to its total weight, while its deadweight expresses the capacity of cargo that it can load. Deadweight is a common point of emphasis for cargo and transport vessels.

Did the Titanic ever hold the record for the biggest ship?

The Titanic, with a length of 882.9 feet, did become the largest ship on 31 March 1912. However, it was only longer than the previous record holder – the RMS Olympic – by a mere 0.4 foot.

Unfortunately, it also held the record for the biggest disaster at sea, with its sinking resulting in over 1500 deaths.

Now you know about some of the biggest ships in the world. It is certainly impressive to think that ships can rival the tallest buildings in size, but as we can see with the Seawise Giant, size comes with its own challenges.

What do you think about these ships? Are you at all impressed? Do you think it’s time for the world to see a much bigger ship? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Remember to boat safely.

Read more : List of biggest crab boats in the world.

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• Nemesis One
• NEMESIS Zero Six
• Nemesis Zero Three
• Nemesis Zero Two

NEMESIS ONE

332ft // 101m, world's fastest hydrofoil cruising catamaran.

The ‘NEMESIS ONE’ will be the World’s Fastest Luxury Foiling Sailing Yacht, able to break the 50 knots speed barrier, while flying on computer controlled hydrofoils. Contrary to being a stripped out racing vessel, the all carbon fiber Nemesis One boasts stunning futuristic, yet comfortable interiors.

Engineered for top performance by world-renowned 'VPLP Design' and powered by AYRO's patented ‘OCEANWINGS’ wing sail, the high-tech superyacht resembles more of a stealth fighter jet, than a conventional sailing yacht.

Push-button Controls 

The excessive speeds the yacht will be capable of under sail, required the Nemesis team to completely abandoned the classic operating concept of: ‘Pulling lines and handling sails’.

To further minimize crew requirements, they’ve implemented state of the art hydraulic and electric controls throughout the design. Replacing bulky winches in the size of a car’s tire and line cluttered cockpits, commonly conceived when thinking of large sailing yachts.

VPLP Design & AYRO 'OCEANWINGS'

The modified 'OCEANWINGS' wing sail automatically adjusts it’s angle of attack, camber and twist, eliminating any need for manual sail trimming. Additionally, the reef and furlable wing sail is a staggering 2.6 times more efficient than a conventional sail plan of equal size.

Fully Autonomous

Flight Control & Safety

Flying on water at speeds in excess of 50 knots, leaving most performance motor yachts in her wake, won’t come at the expense of security and comfort.

Nemesis One will be equipped with the latest generation of smart LiDar (laser radar) sensors, precisely capturing the yachts surroundings.

The current sea state, especially wave height, shape and frequency, will be live monitored by LiDar as well.

All gathered data will be processed by the yacht’s mainframe and translated into precise control commands for the automated hydrofoils and rudders, making the yacht exceptionally stable & safe at any given speed.

The Nemesis One offers the unique option to exchange the port and starboard facing living modules, for ones with different interior configurations.

Making it a breeze to transform the interior layout from owner to charter setup for example. To boost her performance even further, both modules can also be completely removed, transforming the already very fast yacht into ‘Ultra-Light Race Mode’ configuration.

Even without wind, the Nemesis One will remain a zero emission vessel. Powered by a retractable hydrogen-electric propulsion, the yacht has no need for any fossil fuel. In addition to the hydrogen fuel, up to 750 sqm / 8073 sqft of solar panels, will generate up to 150kW of power, to recharge the yacht’s batteries.

Nemesis Yachts © All Rights Reserved

• Traveling with Fred. Olsen Express’ largest catamaran

The big friendly giant of the Canaries!

• Ferry Tickets

Betancuria Express is the largest highspeed catamaran of Fred. Olsen Express. You can enjoy the experience of traveling with one of the world’s largest highspeed ferries on the route between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura . Read our blog to find out more about the impressive vessel, the scheduled route and the on-board services.

The Betancuria Express sailing from Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria  © Fred. Olsen Express, 2010

Information about the vessel

The ferry was built in 2011 in Australia and it belongs to the fleet of Fred. Olsen Express since 2018. It travels between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, and it is one of the largest highspeed catamarans in the world !

How big is the Fred. Olsen Express ferry?

The highspeed catamaran Betancuria Express can accommodate up to 1598 passengers and 357 cars . It is 115 m long and 26.2 m wide.

The large garage of the Betancuria Express   © Fred. Olsen Express, 2010

How fast is the Fred. Olsen Express ferry?

The Betancuria Express ferry can travel at a speed of up to 70 km per hour (38 knots).

What are the onboard services?

Although the trip is short, there are quite a few services to make you feel comfortable and enjoy the journey. The Betancuria Express  is a modern vessel with state-of-the-art amenities both for grown-ups and kids. You can spend your time gazing at the open sea, relaxing at the comfy seats, watching videos, or playing with your kids. Here's a breakdown of the onboard services:

• Entertainment : there’s free Wi-Fi service on board the Fred. Olsen Express ferry. You can stream your favorite series or catch up with your loved ones. You can also access the free on-board entertainment platform for live TV, series, movies, games, and music.
• Gastronomy : you can enjoy a snack or a drink at the ferry’s cafeterias and bars . There’s a selection of refreshments and food items to choose from.
• Accommodation : the Betancuria Express features comfortable spacious seating to relax and enjoy the sea views. Put on your headphones, listen to music and lay back. You may want to upgrade to a Gold Class fare for priority boarding, access to a premium lounge, as well as complimentary drinks and meals. There’s also a large garage for your car, motorcycle, or caravan.
• Families : families traveling with children can access the digital kids’ entertainment services for free. There’s an interactive game zone and children TV programs on the On Board Club platform. You can also find a game room with board games.
• Shopping : there are a few shops , where you can buy gifts, souvenirs, food, and other memorabilia. 

Enjoy a cup of coffee at the premium class ferry lounge  © Fred. Olsen Express, 2010

Where does the Betancuria Express ferry travel?

The largest ferry of Fred. Olsen Express travels between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura . The ferry trip takes around 2 hours . Traveling with Fred. Olsen Express’ largest catamaran is the fastest way to get from the port Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Morro Jable in Fuerteventura.

The route is in operation throughout the year and tickets start at around  €47 . The highspeed catamaran normally departs from Gran Canaria once or twice a day. The earliest ferry usually leaves at 09:30 and arrives in Fuerteventura around 11:30 . The evening ferry departs at 22:00 , reaching Morro Jable at 22:15 .

Tip : you can also catch a ferry between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura with Naviera Armas and Trasmediterránea .

The meeting point of the magical beaches of Barlovento and Cofete in Fuerteventura

Is the Betancuria Express ferry active?

Yes, the Fred. Olsen Express highspeed ferry is currently active , operating on the route between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

Book ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can book cheap ferry tickets for the Gran Canaria - Fuerteventura route. Find all ferry routes for the Canary Islands on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries , compare ferry companies and fares, and organize your trip with ease !

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Monsters of the Sea: The World's Biggest Ships

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Monsters of the Sea

The ocean has always been a stage for the world’s greatest engineering feats.

From massive oil tankers and shipping container vessels to colossal cruise ships with amusement parks on board—these are some of the biggest ships the world has ever seen.

Seawise Giant

The Seawise Giant was a ULCC supertanker, and the longest self-propelled ship in history. It was built between 1974 and 1979 by Sumitomo Heavy Industries in Japan.

Seawise Giant: Weight Capabilities

The Seawise carried the greatest deadweight tonnage every recorded. Full loaded, her displacement was 657,019 tons.

Seawise Giant: Size

The Seawise Giant had a laden draft of 24.6 m (81 ft) and a length of 1,504.10 ft—longer than the height of many of the world's tallest buildings. Her size made her incapable of navigating the English Channel, the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal.

Seaswise Giant: Lifespan

The Seawise Giant served as an oil tanker shuttling large shipments from the Middle East to the USA. However, in 1988 it was a target of Saddam Hussein’s force and it sank.

In 1991 though, it was salvaged, fixed and put back to work until 2004 when it was deemed to difficult to maneuver and became a storage facility in Norway until it was sold for scrap in 2010.

In 2023, Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (OOCL) introduced the first 24,188 TEU mega vessel to its fleet—a shipping container ship.

OOCL Spain: Size & Weight Capabilities

The OOCL Spain is just shy of 400 meters long (1312.34 ft) and is capable of carrying up to 235,341 tons, putting it in the ranks of the world's largest shipping vessels.

OOCL Spain: Significance

The OOCL is one of the few ships in the world with a carrying capacity of over 24,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units or standard shipping containers), giving it a significant presence in the shipping world.

MSC Irina, MSC Loreto, and MSC Michel Cappellini

The current largest capacity shipping container ship in the world goes to the MSC Irina, along with its twins: the MSC Loreto and MSC Michel Cappellini.

These magnificent vessels have a carrying capacity of 24,346 TEU. As some of the largest ships ever constructed, these additions to the MSC fleet significantly add to their staggering logistical potential.

Significance

With the combination of these three mega-ships, the MSC company can ship 22.5 million TEU every year, combined with its fleet of over 700 ships of all sizes.

MSC currently holds the record for largest shipping vessel in the world.

Another MSC vessel breaking world records is the MSC Gülsün. Known for its length, capacity, and speed capabilities.

MSC Gülsün: Capabilities

The MSC Gülsün has a total length that's just shy of 400 meters. It has a deadweight carrying capacity of 228,149 tons and a top speed of 21 knots.

MSC Gülsün: Accommodations

When fully loaded, the MSC Gülsün can accommodate 23,756 shipping containers, and includes 2,000 refrigeration slots to ensure the safety of temperature-controlled goods.

MSC Gülsün: Engine

In order to be able to transport such massive amounts of goods across the globe, the ship needs a great deal of power.

The MSC Gülsün is equipped with a MAN Diesel 11G95ME-C engine. One of the largest in the world , the engine measures approximately 22 meters in length and 18 meters in height.

Icon of the Seas

The Icon of the Seas is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, and is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.  In fact, it is five times the size of the Titanic. It set out on its maiden voyage in January of 2024—breaking several world records.

Icon of the Seas: Capacity

The Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, 18 of which are solely dedicated to guests. There are over 2,800 different rooms of varying sizes and can accommodate a total of 5,610 guests (not including staff).

Icon of the Seas: Size & Engine Capabilities

The Icon of the Seas is 364.75 metres (1,196.7 ft) in length. It has six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines; these can be powered with both LNG and distillate fuel.

Icon of the Seas: Record Breaking Features

This magnificent cruise ship boasts the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide, the largest swim up bar, and the largest waterpark of any cruise ship. It also has the first suspended infinity pool of any ship.

Icon of the Seas: Other Features

It also has a diving dome, an art installation, an ice-skating rink, a family neighborhood, a casino, zip lines, seven pools and six waterslides.

USS Gerald R. Ford

The USS Gerald R. Ford is an American aircraft carrier, and an engineering wonder. Debuting in 2023, it’s the leading modern warship of its class, and the world's largest aircraft carrier.

USS Gerald R. Ford: Size and Capabilities

It measures about 333 meters in length, and can hold over 4,500 crew members and support staff, a full wing complement (75 aircraft), and support ground vehicles.

USS Gerald R. Ford: Design

The USS Gerald R. Ford was designed with advanced new weapons systems and a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that allows for a greater variety of planes to be launched from its deck.

Symphony of the Seas

Another record-breaking cruise ship by Royal Caribbean is the Symphony of the Seas. This ship is designed with luxurious entertainment in mind.

Symphony of the Seas: Capacity

The Symphony of the Seas has 18 decks, 24 elevators, and can accommodate a whopping 6,680 guests and 2,200 staff members.

Symphony of the Seas: Engine Capabilities

The Symphony of the Seas has six engines in total: three 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V46D and three 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 12V46D engines.

Each engine is approximately the size of a shipping container and all work together to power the colossal ship.

Symphony of the Seas: Features

The Symphony of the Seas boats an array of luxury amenities, such as spas, gardens, several pools and waterslides, an amusement park, playgrounds, theaters, and so much more.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean did it again with another colossal cruise ship breaking records. The Wonder of the Seas surpasses the previous cruise ship mentioned, Symphony of the Seas, in size. It’s often referred to as a “floating city.”

Wonder of the Seas: Capacity

The Wonder of the Seas measures 1,188 feet (362 m) in length and has a gross tonnage of 236,857 across 18 decks. It has a guest capacity of 5,734 and a crew of 2,300.

Wonder of the Seas: Features

The Wonder of the Seas has everything you could possibly imagine.

There are eight different neighborhoods on board, each boasting impressive amenities such as: a waterpark, a playground, a full-size basketball court, a zip line, a theater, rock-climbing walls, dog parks, and an on-board central park with more than 10,000 plans and flowers.

Dockwise Vanguard/BOKA Vanguard

The Dockwise Vanguard—also known as the BOKA Vanguard—is a semisubmersible heavy-lift ship, and is the largest vessel of its kind ever built. It’s like the biggest and baddest tow truck of the sea.

Dockwise Vanguard: How It Works

The Dockwise Vanguard operates by taking on water as a ballast, allowing it to sink slightly and creating a space in its docking bay where it can then maneuver a ship in to secure it.

Once secured, the ship pumps out the ballast and lifts the other ship out of the water, safely within the Dockwise Vanguard.

Dockwise Vanguard: Size

The ship has a flat, bow-less deck measuring 70 by 275 m (230 by 902 ft), allowing cargo longer and wider than the deck. Her deck is 70% larger than the MV Blue Marlin, the third-largest heavy-lift ship.

She can lift and transport cargoes up to 110,000 tons.

Dockwise Vanguard: Significance

The Dockwise Vanguard may not be the largest vessel in the water, but the sheer fact that it can carry vessels bigger than itself is amazing enough—including the insanely large cruise ships mentioned in this list.

Evergreen Ever Apex

The Evergreen Ever Apex is Evergreen’s latest addition, launched in 2022. While it matches the same size and capabilities of it’s A-type siblings, it does have notable changes.

Evergreen Ever Apex: Size & Capabilities

The Ever Apex is just shy of 400 meters in length and is capable of carrying approximately 225,000 tons—which is the equivalent of hauling the weight of 45,000 elephants.

Evergreen Ever Apex: Significance

Evergreen’s A-type vessels are known as the largest of their kind in the world, carrying massive amounts of weight seamlessly through the sea. The Ever Apex is no different than its siblings, standing as a testament to human engineering.

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On board the world's largest trimaran White Rabbit

She’s blissfully quiet, impressively efficient and comfortably cavernous. Oh, and she’s an 84 metre trimaran. Stewart Campbell follows the White Rabbit ...

The obvious question, really, is: why bother building a trimaran when the rest of the world is cruising around in monohulls? Why go so radically against the grain?

Vindication can be sweet – in January 2019 the team behind White Rabbit picked up the Best Naval Architecture Award for Displacement Motor Yachts at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards . It turns out that trimarans, done right, are quieter, leaner and more environmentally sound than monohulls. The owner of White Rabbit has known this for some time; he has never been anything but evangelical about their benefits. He has almost single-handedly proven the concept in big boats and now owns the world’s two biggest trimaran superyachts: the original three-hulled 61-metre White Rabbit from 2005 and now this 84-metre version, delivered just in time for Christmas. There’s also a large catamaran in the fleet, a 51-metre support vessel called Charley .

Let’s tick off some of those other benefits. You might think that a trimaran platform limits interior space, but you’d be wrong. White Rabbit carries 2,940 gross tonnes, so roughly the same as a 90-metre monohull. Sunrays , the 85-metre 2010 Oceanco , has an internal volume of 2,867GT. Solandge , the 85-metre Lurssen from 2013, has a gross tonnage of 2,899. The 90-metre DAR from Oceanco has an interior measured at 2,999GT, so only a snip more than 84-metre White Rabbit . All this volume is generated by the trimaran’s 20-metre beam, which makes it around five metres wider than equivalent-length monohulls. And she could be a lot more voluminous – the top deck, for instance, is fairly modest, while a bluff bow would generate even more GTs.

Such novel naval architecture surely adds to the cost, though? Not according to Mark Stothard, founder and owner of Echo Yachts , the Australian yard responsible for  White Rabbit , who estimates the yacht was "significantly cheaper" to build than an equivalent-size monohull at a Northern European yard. You sometimes hear complaints about the ride of trimarans, and here, they have a little work to do. A comparison study by the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) in 2000 showed that when bow-on to the weather, at speed or rest, trimarans are more comfortable than monohulls with equivalent displacements.

But in some conditions, particularly stern-quartering seas, the motion of a trimaran can be worse. To counter this,  White Rabbit’s  naval architects drew on the experience gained from the 61-metre boat, installing four enormous Naiad fins totalling 45 square metres that jut out from the centre hull. These have a limited range of movement and essentially act as aircraft wings under the water, planting the hulls and evening out the ride. Each of the three hulls also carries significant flare, generating buoyancy to dampen roll. The brains behind  White Rabbit  claim that trimarans, unlike monohulls, are far easier to fine-tune to find a ride motion the owner is comfortable with, simply by increasing or decreasing buoyancy in the outer hulls – "so the negatives are really not negatives", says exterior and interior designer Sam Sorgiovanni .

The very same MARIN study points out the obvious, and massive advantage of trimarans: "When the same speed is required, the installed propulsion power [in the trimaran] can be reduced by some 40 per cent, leading to lower operational costs, a reduction in weight and less environmental contamination." And there you have it – three slender hulls are better than a single fat one. Or, as Sorgiovanni puts it: "What would you rather be paddling in? A bathtub or a kayak?" In an age when all superyacht owners, regardless of bank balances, are casting a lingering eye over fuel bills and environmental impact, comes a concept that offers you better space, value and a cleaner conscience. So naval architects’ phones should be ringing off the hook with billionaires demanding multihulls, right? Right...? Not quite.

The problem is one of perception, says Stothard. Not necessarily on the part of owners, he says, but from an occasionally reactionary superyacht industry inexperienced with the multihull form. Sorgiovanni agrees. "Why would I build three hulls instead of one?" was one shipyard’s response to a trimaran design he presented. "Meanwhile, you’ve got big-name naval architects who in their whole career have never done anything like it, so why would they endorse it? Why would they endorse something they’re fearful or ignorant of?" Whatever the reasons for the inertia, it doesn’t look like the needle will be twitching in favour of trimarans any time soon. Which is a shame, because for all the above reasons and more, this platform makes all kinds of sense – as  White Rabbit  capably proves.

As a rough guide, the length-to-beam ratio of a monohull superyacht in this size range is around 6:1. By comparison, the length-to-beam ratio of  White Rabbit’s  centre hull is 13.7:1. You don’t need a degree in naval architecture to know which one will use less fuel, but the truly impressive thing about  White Rabbit  is the engineering underpinning her natural slipperiness. One key demand of the owner was that Echo Yachts limit noise – and therefore engineering – in the centre hull, where he has a cabin, so designers had to rethink the arrangement seen on the 61-metre, where the main engines are located on the centreline. "The owner sat us down and said, ‘Boys, with this thing I want some engineering boldness.’ He said what was important to him was smoothness and quietness," says Stothard. "And he gave us the latitude to go out and explore solutions."

The team quickly decided to go diesel-electric, with generators in the outer hulls powering STADT electric motors in the centre hull, in turn spinning two Rolls-Royce variable pitch props. Other ideas were discussed and thrown out: waterjets because the boat would be sitting idle in Singapore for lengths of time, so divers would be required to go down to pump out the jet tunnels and then plug them; Voith thrusters because the yard felt it a "bit early for them to be able to gear up to such a project"; and azimuthing pods because they would have required too much volume in the centre hull. They also looked at putting everything – engines, motors, shafts – in the outer hulls, but studies revealed the ultimate solution to be the most efficient. Just how efficient is best exemplified, again, by way of comparison: according to White Rabbit’s naval architect, the Sydney studio One2Three , it requires 91.5-metre Equanimity (now Tranquility ), which has an equivalent gross tonnage to White Rabbit , 7.2MW of power to reach its top speed of 19.5 knots; White Rabbit requires just 4.2MW of power to reach its top speed of 18.7 knots – some 40 per cent less.

There are six generators on board – four Caterpillar C32s outputting 940ekW and two C18s outputting 550ekW, each brought online and off by a Kongsberg power management system. The engineers should get plenty of life out of these units because the boat can run at a 12-knot cruise with just two gensets engaged. "I’ve been on sea trials up the coast using just two C32s – and that will be cruising at 12.8 knots, with 75 per cent power to the drive system and 25 per cent, or 500kW, to run the house," says Stothard. "That’s with four generators offline and a burn of about 320 litres an hour for everything. The crew even think they could do 12 knots on one C32 and one C18." The boat’s eco-cred doesn’t end there: she barely creates a wake. Sea trial images included in this feature show the yacht running at around 15 knots, but she might as well be idling for all the wash she generates. The owner does a lot of coastal cruising and wanted the "ability to operate without detrimental wash impact on surrounding vessels and foreshores", says Steve Quigley, One2Three’s managing director.

All this has resulted in a very quiet boat. In the lower deck master cabin Echo Yachts recorded sound levels of just 40db at 13 knots. Up on the main deck those levels dipped below 40db. "The owner was walking around with his own sound meter," says Stothard. "He didn’t even bother going up top." The diesel-electric set-up on  White Rabbit  has the added benefit that you can carry less fuel. The trimaran’s fuel capacity is 166,200 litres, for a range of 5,000 nautical miles.  Solandge ? 222,000 litres.  Sunrays ? 285,000 litres.  Equanimity ? 271,000 litres. That’s a lot of weight she’s not lugging around.

Smaller fuel tanks free up space, of course, but the designers weren’t fighting for volume here: there’s plenty of it. On the main deck, the boat gets very beamy, for a length-to-beam ratio of 4.3:1. Fat, but without looking it. That’s down to the skill of Sorgiovanni, whose office is not far from the Echo Yachts facility in Henderson, Western Australia. He’s the first to admit that the layout of White Rabbit is very idiosyncratic and has developed more "conventional" versions with beach clubs, gyms and bigger master cabins. But his brief from this client, with whom he worked on the 61-metre  White Rabbit , was very clear: this is a multigenerational yacht, built for family use, but with a necessary corporate function. Translation: lots of cabins – two masters, three VIPs and six guest – for a total guest capacity of 30 and a wide open main deck to host upwards of 200 people when alongside in her hometown of Singapore.

"You’re spanning three generations in terms of functionality as well as style," says Sorgiovanni, who travelled to Singapore to spend time with family members and hear each of their wants. "The overwhelming comment was, ‘We love what we’ve got, we just want it bigger.’ The words were: ‘We want [61-metre]  White Rabbit  on steroids.’ They literally meant it. As we started to develop the boat we realised that whatever we presented kept coming back to what they loved, which was their current boat. In a way it’s flattering to think they enjoy and love that boat so much, but it has evolved. The bigger boat has a far more sophisticated approach, both inside and out, but nevertheless there is that link there to something that is familiar." The art deco edge on the smaller yacht has been rounded off a little on the 84-metre, but there are still references throughout – in the light column at the huge bar in the main saloon, for instance, and wall sconces.

The colours used are rich enough to keep you interested, but not so much that the spaces feel stuffy or overly formal; you’re never afraid to put your glass down. The tactile, chequer-style wall panelling used all over the yacht, made of brushed Tasmanian oak, helps with this, and brings a bit of nature to the saloons. All the cabinetry and furniture was custom made by Alia Yachts in Turkey, who Sorgiovanni worked with on 41.3-metre  Ruya .

He was so impressed by their furniture skills he asked them to pitch for  White Rabbit’s  interior, which was fully assembled in Turkey, allowing Sorgiovanni and Echo’s project manager, Chris Blackwell, to walk through it making changes before it was disassembled and shipped to Australia for installation. This was a considerable undertaking considering the 1,200 square metres of guest area on board. The amount of space proved one of the designer’s biggest challenges – just what do you do with it all?

The main deck is the main event – and where the boat’s 20-metre beam is most evident. "And it could have been even wider," says Sorgiovanni. "But I was very conscious about keeping it human scale. It’s just a massive area." The designer has split the space into zones, according to generations. Upon entry, and beyond the spectacular staircase leading to the upper deck, the saloon splits – to port is a more informal lounge for younger members of the family, and to starboard a slightly stiffer seating area for elder generations. "The saloons are separated but not completely separated, because the owner didn’t want the generations split up," he says.

Beyond, all ages come together around that attention-grabbing bar and games area and dining space. The owner dictated that there be no televisions in any of the cabins (except his), forcing kids into the light and demanding that they spend time with the rest of the family. If they want a screen, they’ll find one only in a communal area. In direct contravention of the modern vogue for massive, floor-to-ceiling windows, meanwhile, the owner was deliberately modest with his glazing choices, but the windows still usher plenty of light across the 20-metre expanse.

The upper deck saloon is tiny by comparison and used as a media lounge and karaoke hangout by the family, complete with baby grand piano. The focus of this deck is really accommodation, for both guests and crew. Strangely, the guest cabins on this level either have very little or no cupboard space, but they do have benches, "so guests can put their stuff out", says Sorgiovanni. "They said they didn’t want any wardrobe space as guests are expected to live out of their suitcases," which suits the kind of cruising guests are expected to join for – weekends and overnights. Up again is the sundeck, with another games area and forward-facing cinema with seats that shake to mirror the action on screen. "From a sound point of view, it’s in the right spot," says the designer. "You can really crank it up and you’re not disturbing anyone." The deck spaces up here are ample – and the site of the only spa pool on board – but they are under-exploited. Sitting in the sun is clearly not a priority for this family, nor is charter a fixation. This is, and will remain, a private yacht.

The real master cabin is on the main deck, close to the family action, but there is an alternative on the lower deck of the centre hull for passages. It’s a strange feeling walking down to this level – almost like going underwater. Hull windows reveal the tunnel between the centre hull and the starboard outrigger. It’s an unusual view, but also quite an exciting one as water rushes between the hulls at 18 knots. "We decided to make a feature of it," says Blackwell. "All the underwater lights are deliberately in this centre hull so they shine under the outer hulls as well, so you get the benefit of glow here. It creates a different ambience and shows off the trimaran concept." The art subtly plays on this underwater sensation. "On the lower decks the artwork is all scenes from below the water; on the main deck it’s all on the water and then it’s above the water on the upper deck," says Sorgiovanni.

The 30 guests are served by a crew of 32, who get plum real estate forward on the main deck in the shape of a huge cafeteria-like mess and crew lounge. "The boat is on call 24/7, so the owner wanted very specifically to have the crew in a very comfortable space on the main deck, with large windows," says Sorgiovanni. In an alternative universe, this might be reserved for a vast, full-beam owner’s cabin, with crew moved to the lower deck, or voluminous guest cabins. In the same universe, those rear VIP cabins in the centre hull would become a wellness and spa area, with direct access to the water through a folding transom door. Maybe in that universe, trimarans are the norm and everyone’s cruising the world using a lot less fuel than in this one. I’m not saying trimarans are the answer for everyone – obviously berthing is a key factor and some people just might not like the look of them – but the benefits definitely deserve closer attention.

It’s something the owner of  White Rabbit  has learned through long experience. He started out in a monohull Feadship in 1989, built another in 1995 before experimenting with a catamaran in 2001. Then came the first trimaran in 2005, and, finally, the 84-metre  White Rabbit . He’s a true convert. As is Mark Stothard, the Echo Yachts boss: "If anyone is serious about building a yacht this size and they didn’t make the time to come and have a look at this boat, they’d be mad. I’ve been in this game since the early 1980s and I’ve been on some really impressive yachts in that time and this thing blows my mind. Regardless of whether we build it or not, it is unequivocally doing everything that we said it was going to do... and then some."

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