Espen Oeino was born and brought up in Norway. Completing naval architecture studies in Normandy, he further worked his way from employment with UK designer Martin Francisto to building his own renowned design company based in Monaco. Espen Oeinio is nowadays considered one of the most influential exterior designers in the yachting world, with his project REV, the largest vessel ever, currently being built in Norway. Yacht Harbour takes a look over some of his most legendary works.
#1. Ocean Victory
Length: 140 m
Builder: Fincantieri
Year: 2014
Ocean Victory was built for Russian billionaire steel magnate, Victor Rashnikov and delivered in 2014. At the time of delivery, she was the largest superyacht constructed in Italy and the 9th largest yacht in the world.
This seven-deck vessel is packed with such alluring features as 6 pools spread out over her 7 decks, an internal foldable dock hosting a 14-metre tender, a helideck with lifting platform and internal helicopter hangar and a spacious (over 300 m2) spa zone. As to accommodation capacity, she can house up to 36 guests on-board.
#2. Dilbar
Length: 156 m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2016
Currently the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage with 15,917 GT of interior volume, Dilbar has once redefined the notion of space in yachting. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's, valued by Forbes at $16 billion, third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name, after the businessman's mother.
With the yacht’s beam of 23 meters and a deep draft of 6 meters, cabling used on board stretches over 1,100 km with guests and owner's spaces totally combined to 3,800 square meters of living space. What is more, Dilbar was the largest yacht, featuring a diesel electric power plant from an engineering standpoint.
Ever since her delivery in 2016, Dilbar has been drawing great attention of press as well as social media users around the globe. Her travels throughout the Mediterranean have been essentially documented, with photos of her taken from almost every possible angle.
#3. REV
Length: 182,9m
Builder: VARD
Year: 2021
Nothing less than the largest superyacht in the world once completed, this is one of the recent ambitious projects designed by Oeinio. REV is currently taking shape at the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.
Built for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions.
By virtue of her purpose, REV is designed for long-term operation in remote and harsh waters without external support, able to operate autonomously for up to 114 days. The ship will be equipped with laboratories and hi-tech instruments for exploration of the entire marine ecosystem, able to analyse, document and collect.
REV’s robust exterior lines and modern features ensure she is able to cruise in both arctic and tropical areas alike, with her hull built to ICE PC 6 for navigation in ice. The yacht will also deploy mini-submarines and actual submarines, drones and helicopter, while overhead cranes can lift and launch equipment weighing up to 20 T over the side.
With a beam of 22 metres, REV will also become the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage of 16,000GT, reportedly overtaking Alisher Usmanov's Dilbar by 100 GT. When in expedition, the vessel will be able to accommodate up to 90 people including the crew.
#4. DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Builder: Oceanco
Year: 2019
According to the information from social media, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $4.7 billion by Forbes. Her delivery is scheduled to summer 2019.
DreAMBoat is trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance. The vessel’s exterior features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the Owner’s deck
Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members.
#5. Silver Fast
Length: 77m
Builder: Silver Yachts
Year: 2015
The vessel represents one of the most advanced and eco-fuel efficient vessels built by Silver Yachts. She is one of the world's largest and fastest aluminium motor yacht with conventional propulsion in terms of length to speed ratio. Silver Fast is capable of crossing the Atlantic at approximately 22 knots cruising speed.
Silver Fast’ alluring amenities include a winter garden, helipad, outdoor cinema, Jacuzzi with capacity for 8 people, a spa area fitted with sauna, steam room, beauty salon and a gym. She can accommodate up to 18 guests in 8 cabins on-board.
#6. Solandge
Length: 85,1m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2013
The yacht that won the Monaco Yacht Show Award for Best Exterior Design in 2014. Espen Oeino has created harmonious lines and balanced proportions for the yacht, encasing a vast selection of outdoor living, dining and entertainments zones.
Solandge’ panoramic top deck plays host to a beach club area with customised dance floor, Jacuzzi and a bar while the bridge deck is ideal for relaxation and casual al fresco dining with a spacious seating area. On the bridge deck, there is also a fully-equipped health spa featuring massage room, sauna and gymnasium leading out onto a glass-edged plunge pool.
The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 7 staterooms on-board, including a panoramic master deck featuring 180 degree windows, and a private deck with spa pool.
At the moment of sale in 2017, Solandge was asking €155,000,000.
#7. Flying FOX
Length: 130m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2018
Delivered in March, 2019, Flying Fox is the world’s 14th largest yacht at the moment of writing. Nonetheless, she boasts the most elegant and graceful exterior design, maintaining striking looks despite her massive volume of 9,100 GT.
This superyacht’s key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters. Another highlight of the vessel is the large swimming pool located aft of the main deck. Flying Fox also boasts vast sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
#8. Kismet
Length: 95,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2014
This superyacht is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kismet is stretching over five decks, designed with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, thus suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. As an innovative feature, Kismet boasts video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, spa zone, movie theatre, an outdoor fireplace and winter garden can be found among the yacht’s luxury amenities.
The yacht’s entertainment and design characteristics have been attracting top artists and events on-board. For example, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted on-board last year, while Netflix filmed Kismet in party scene from its biggest production so far, "Six Underground".
#9. Octopus
Length: 126,2m
Builder: Lurssen
Year: 2003
At the time of writing, Octopus remains the largest explorer yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She belonged to Paul Allen, one of Microsoft founders, who passed away in late 2018. Allen once described his yacht: "Octopus is less a Bentley than a Range Rover".
As part of this, the yacht is fitted with two submarines, one of which can dive for up to 8 hours with 10 people on it; the second submarine can be remotely controlled. Octopus is capable of accommodating 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Other amenities found on-board include a second helipad, a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s first-class celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
Turkish catamaran innovator VisionF Yachts has unveiled its very first all-electric catamaran, the E-Cat 80, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly yachting. Earlier this month, the state-of-the-art shipyard in Tuzla witnessed the E-Cat 80 touching water, heralding the inception of a new era in clean and efficient boating.At 24 meters long, the E-Cat 80 is crafted from lightweight yet sturdy carbon fiber. Its sleek, modern design is the brainchild of renowned designer Marco Casali (TOO Design), complemented by naval architecture from Dr. Amedeo Migali (MICAD). This high-tech catamaran features twin lean hulls, promising powerful propulsion and excellent maneuverability.Equipped with two Danfoss electric motors, the E-Cat 80 can produce continual power of 180 kW, with a peak capacity of 340 kW. The inclusion of bow and stern thrusters ensures agile handling, allowing the catamaran to achieve a top speed of 16 knots while maintaining smooth control, even in challenging conditions.The E-Cat 80 harnesses clean energy to deliver an impressive, limitless cruising range. With 54 solar panels installed on board, the vessel generates up to 21.6 kW per hour, continuously charging its robust battery system. This sustainable energy setup grants the yacht the capability for extended journeys without reliance on external power sources. Additionally, dual 150 kW generators act as backup power and enhance efficiency during high-speed travel.The catamaran's spacious interior, featuring a beam of 10.92 meters, can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. It offers a range of semi-customized layout options, including thoughtfully designed crew quarters for four, ensuring a luxurious experience onboard.A standout feature of the E-Cat 80 is its customizable garage, which can house an array of water toys, from jet skis to scuba diving gear, perfect for adventurous outings.With the inaugural unit expected to be delivered soon, VisionF Yachts anticipates exciting developments in this groundbreaking electric series, further solidifying its position at the forefront of modern catamaran design.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: Saim Kaan Yılmaz/VisionF Yachts
February 19, 2025
Isaac Burrough Design unveils Stratos, an 80-meter motoryacht that redefines luxury with its sculptural surfaces, striking contrasts, and bold visual identity. Drawing inspiration from modern automotive design, Stratos embodies a harmonious tension between soft curves and sharp chamfers, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evolves with every movement."With Stratos, I wanted to capture the essence of modern automotive design, blending sleek forms with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. The result is a yacht that not only turns heads but also stands the test of time, remaining as relevant tomorrow as it is today", says Isaac Burrough.The design is accentuated by light bars that span the aft of each deck, casting a distinctive glow and emphasizing Stratos's form and presence. A striking transverse pool, cantilevered above the swim platform, adds a dramatic touch. The pool's glass bottom and aft wall allow light to filter through, creating immersive patterns and reflections that transform the platform below into an ever-changing canvas.Inside, Stratos is designed to foster a deep connection with the sea. Expansive glazing and low bulwarks ensure uninterrupted views, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. The forward-facing owner’s suite, set behind the foredeck, offers panoramic vistas and private deck access. The expansive 150-square-meter beach club at the stern serves as a luxurious retreat, rivaling the size of those found on much larger yachts.The top deck continues the automotive-inspired theme with sweeping rooflines reminiscent of high-performance cars. This level is dedicated entirely to bridge, crew, and technical areas, optimizing the lower decks for uninterrupted luxury and guest experiences.Stratos redefines the relationship between yacht and environment, with its bold proportions, seamless detailing, and reimagined guest experience. The accompanying visuals celebrate the yacht's bold form and identity, focusing on light, surface, and form to present Stratos as a statement that pushes the boundaries of modern yacht design.Credits: Isaac Burrough Design
February 18, 2025
IYG has announced the sale of Kamakasa, the 44.5-meter Sanlorenzo Alloy superyacht. Congratulations to Boomer Jousma of IYG, who represented the seller, and Tony Maggio of SI Yachts, who represented the buyer.Kamakasa is the second hull in the Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy series, offering exceptional indoor and outdoor living spaces across three distinct levels. The yacht stands out with its impressive three-level full-beam master suite, complete with a private hot tub and direct access to the bow, making it perfect for hosting and entertaining.Additional highlights include a versatile beach club that can be transformed into a bar, lounge, or gym. This unique space opens on three sides and features lateral garage storage for a tender.We wish the new owners many joyful memories aboard Kamakasa.Access from the aft deck to the bow and flybridge flows seamlessly thanks to her unconventional design, with the latter presenting as one of the largest in her category. She displays a contemporary interior style, with crisp white furniture and light-grained marble, contrasting against the distinct pairing of rich wood panelling and glossy black bulkheads.Additional features include a generous foredeck, as well as a multi-purpose beach club that can function as a bar, lounge and gym. The beach club has also been designed to open on three sides, with lateral garage space for a seven-meter tender.Credits: IYG
February 18, 2025
As the Invictus ST550 draws inspiration from classic motor yacht designs, the Invictus TT550 represents a significant evolution of the TT range, emerging as a must-have from Cantieri Aschenez. With enhanced open spaces and the unmistakable design touch of Christian Grande, the TT550, alongside the ST550, is set to make its global debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival this autumn.Building on the success of the Invictus TT460, the TT550 embodies the vision of owners who dreamed of translating the beauty and style of the smaller model into a larger vessel. At 16.87 meters long and 5.04 meters wide, the TT550 becomes the flagship of the TT range, maintaining the defining characteristics of the TT460 while introducing reimagined forward and aft exterior spaces. These enhancements maximize the overall experience, offering even greater exclusivity.The TT550 is designed to embody the essence of the Mediterranean spirit, rather than merely serving as a luxury tender. It prioritizes outdoor spaces, with folding side terraces creating a sense of openness and freedom. The semi-reversed bow, a hallmark of all Invictus Yachts, remains a signature feature.From the stern, a submerged platform leads to the spacious living area, perfect for socializing and relaxation.The open-plan space can be transformed into a large sunbathing area, and the cleverly designed garage ensures easy access without disturbing those on the sun deck.Moving forward, the imposing carbon fiber hardtop provides protection for the dinette and galley up to the helm. A protected walkway leads to the versatile bow lounge, which is ideal for both daytime use and evening relaxation.Below deck, Christian Grande has designed two cabins (Master and VIP) with the option for the owner to choose the layout. A cozy mid-ship living area can be replaced with a third cabin or a galley, and an optional crew cabin is also available.Powered by a pair of Volvo Penta IPS engines, up to the IPS950 version, the TT550 will make its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9 to 14, 2025. Invictus Yacht will also participate in the Dubai International Boat Show from February 19 to 23. The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht
February 18, 2025
Benetti has announced the appointment of Federico Ferrante, currently serving as President of Azimut|Benetti Americas, to lead the commercial development of Benetti in the Americas, effective immediately.Federico FerranteThis strategic move aligns with the Azimut|Benetti Group's ongoing efforts to nurture and expand its internal talent pool. Federico brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having spent over 25 years with the Azimut|Benetti Group and accumulated three decades in the maritime industry. His multicultural background, dual citizenship, and residency in the United States provide him with a profound understanding of the market dynamics across the Americas.Ferrante's primary objective in his new position is to bolster Benetti's presence and growth throughout the American markets, tapping into untapped opportunities in this crucial region spanning from Canada to Chile, with a particular focus on the Caribbean.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
February 17, 2025