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.
Bilgin Yachts has launched Al Reem, the third and final yacht in its 80.1-meter Bilgin 263 series. Sold in 2022 through brokerage firm Bluewater Yachting, Al Reem follows the delivery of Tatiana, introduced at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show as the largest yacht built in Turkey, and Leona, delivered in 2023.Al Reem, formerly known as Project Silence, is said to offer increased volume – around 100GT more than its predecessors – and additional exterior deck space, as well as a larger mast structure. All three units of the series share a slender exterior profile by Unique Yacht Design and interiors by H2 Yacht Design.The latest hull incorporates various design modifications, including a teak foredeck, a superstructure finished in a metallic grey-white and black scheme, and a reconfigured internal layout with enlarged living areas. Technical refinements include a lengthened upper deck and an extra covered area at the stern.The owner’s deck, positioned on the main deck level, provides 300-degree views and access to an outdoor terrace and hot tub. Guest accommodation comprises two VIP cabins on the main deck and three guest cabins on the lower deck. A secondary saloon on the lower deck includes a balcony-style opening to the sea. An elevator connects all decks.Al Reem’s interior uses materials such as matte timber, cream leather wall panels, silk carpets, and marble feature walls. According to H2 Yacht Design’s Jonny Horsfield, the interior is designed to be “light and modern,” differentiating it from the layout and design of Tatiana.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/FF3TcLuDFNk?si=VGpDFVuo2UIL8Pt5 title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy=strict-origin-when-cross-origin allowfullscreen></iframe>In terms of technical capabilities, Al Reem features a new ventilation system and increased generator capacity. Equipped with twin 2,560 kW engines, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 19 knots and has a reported range of up to 6,000 nautical miles.With the launch of Al Reem, Bilgin Yachts concludes its 263 series. Delivery of Al Reem is scheduled for 2024. Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard on the European side of Istanbul, building 50 to 120m luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s.Credits: Bilgin Yachts
December 13, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has confirmed the sale of the 25.8-meter Feadship motor yacht Monara. Yacht brokers Ed Dickinson and Ed Cavendish acted on behalf of both buyer and seller, with the yacht last listed at EUR4,500,000. Originally built in 1969, Monara underwent a complete rebuild at Feadship’s Makkum yard in 2016, placing it among the Feadship Heritage Fleet. The rebuild included the installation of Zero Speed stabilizers and a silent electric battery system.Inside, the main salon is designed with warm oak finishes and offers an L-shaped settee and a concealed pop-up TV. A glass floor panel provides a view of the yacht’s restored Gardner main engines. The galley features a Dutch door that opens to the main deck, creating an integrated indoor-outdoor living area.Accommodations include four staterooms for up to eight guests. The master suite, lit by four hull windows, has a queen-size bed and an ensuite with adjustable privacy glass. The VIP cabin is also ensuite, while two additional guest cabins can be configured as twin or double rooms and share a bathroom.Externally, Monara retains classic yacht elements, including a clipper bow and canoe stern. The covered aft deck features seating around a teak table, accommodating up to 12 for alfresco meals. The sundeck is equipped for multiple functions, offering a convertible 10-person sunbed, an L-shaped lounge, an additional sunbed forward, and shade options via adjustable sails.Following its recent sale, Monara continues to represent a combination of traditional Feadship craftsmanship and contemporary onboard technology.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
December 13, 2024
Ocean Independence has unveiled Project Kumu, a 46-meter hybrid-powered yacht concept developed by a design team from D-ID in Winchester, with naval architecture by Southampton-based Lateral Engineering. Initially conceived for a specific client seeking a fast day-boat style superyacht constructed in aluminum and featuring a sailing yacht profile, the project evolved after the client did not proceed.Project Kumu’s design includes a hull optimized for efficiency and a hybrid propulsion system intended to enable silent operation at anchor. The main deck’s aft section spans approximately 200 square metres, incorporating fold-down platforms and flexible social areas. An open-plan saloon connects directly to an external bar and deck spaces, aiming to provide an uninterrupted flow between the interior and exterior. Large windows, a skylight, and an adaptable layout are intended to allow daylight to define and separate spaces without fixed boundaries.Accommodation plans include three substantial cabins for the owner and VIP guests on the main deck’s bow section, while two additional guest cabins and a secondary multi-function saloon with a balcony door are positioned on the lower deck. The design also includes a sun deck of about 285 square meters, made possible by sinking the wheelhouse into the deck structure.With an anticipated range of 3,500 nautical miles, the yacht’s hybrid propulsion targets long-distance travel, such as routes between the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Storage for two tenders – one 7.5 meters on the aft deck and one 5.5 meters in the toy garage – alongside space for various equipment, is included in the concept.Ocean Independence indicates that Project Kumu is now ready for the next phase and notes that quotes are already available from several shipyards capable of bringing the concept into construction.Credits: Ocean Independence
December 13, 2024
The Azimut|Benetti Group has been named the leading global manufacturer of mega yachts for the 25th year, holding a 20% share of the market, according to the 2025 Global Order Book published by Boat International. The Group, which specializes in yachts over 24 meters, recorded 164 units under construction, totaling 5,905 meters in length.Azimut Seadeck 7 Hybrid ProjectThe company attributes its sustained success to strategic pillars such as product innovation, a focus on quality, global market reach, and investment in talent. Revenues for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, reached €1.3 billion, with a robust order portfolio extending through 2029.Azimut|Benetti Group’s product range spans Azimut’s 12 to 44-meter yachts and Benetti’s larger vessels, including custom mega yachts exceeding 100 meters. The Group has introduced designs aimed at redefining onboard living spaces, with models such as the Azimut Seadeck Series and the Benetti Oasis garnering attention for their innovative concepts.In recent years, the Group has prioritized emissions reduction. Azimut offers a fleet where over half of the yachts are classified as Low Emission Yachts, incorporating varying levels of hybrid technology. Benetti, meanwhile, has 10 hybrid mega yachts under construction and hybrid options across most of its product lines. Notable models include Azimut’s Seadeck Series, with a reported 40% reduction in CO2 emissions, and Benetti’s B.Yond line, which achieves reductions of 24% in CO2 and 80% in NOX emissions.Benetti Veranda DeckAzimut|Benetti emphasizes in-house production for critical components and partners with a select supply chain to maintain quality. The Light Steel Hub in Tuscany and the upcoming Composite Hub for fiberglass and carbon fiber production are central to these efforts. The company also plans to expand its Lusben division, which specializes in refits for large yachts.Geographically, the Group balances its market presence between Europe, the United States, and MEA-APAC regions, leveraging exclusive dealer networks and strategic collaborations to manage local risks and optimize offerings.Benetti Veranda DeckThe company reports an 18% increase in staff over the past six years, driven by growth in operations. To preserve its expertise and culture, Azimut|Benetti has launched initiatives such as a Corporate Academy to transfer knowledge between generations and the “Nauticità” project, which allows employees to experience life aboard the company’s yachts.As the Group celebrates its 25th consecutive year as a market leader, its focus remains on long-term sustainability, technological innovation, and maintaining high standards across its operations.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
December 12, 2024
The Italian Sea Group is excited to reveal exclusive insights into Project Spyder, an impressive 88-meter megayacht currently in development. Collaborating with esteemed design firms Espen Øino International and FM Architettura, this project is poised to be one of the most ambitious and innovative undertakings in the luxury yachting sector.Kitson Yachts, a prominent Yachting Family Office based in Miami, has been closely following the progress of the Admiral Spyder since initial discussions began. Additionally, a second 73-meter Admiral megayacht is already in the works at The Italian Sea Group, marking another triumph in the collaboration between TISG and Kitson Yachts, which serves as an Authorized Sales Agency in the AMAS region. Main saloonSet for delivery in 2027, Project Spyder embodies the pinnacle of advanced technology, exclusive design, and unparalleled comfort. The partnership with Espen Øino International has resulted in a remarkable design and layout that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.Notably, the exterior design features a sophisticated and adaptable aft deck, providing generous spaces for both entertainment and relaxation. Each deck is equipped with expansive sliding and full-height glass panels, creating a seamless connection to the sea. These flexible spaces can easily transition from private family retreats to lively social areas.Main saloon Espen Øino International expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We value the opportunity to work with this particular client, the A-Group, FM Architettura, and The Italian Sea Group to create what will undoubtedly be a unique and meticulously crafted yacht. I can’t wait to see it launched!”A standout aspect of Project Spyder is its commitment to sustainability. The yacht features an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system with electric Azipods, ensuring low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. This eco-friendly design is further supported by five variable-speed generators, making it one of the most environmentally conscious yachts in its class.Main deck With a volume of approximately 3,000 GT, Spyder can host up to 18 guests across nine elegantly designed staterooms, including a master suite on the bridge deck that offers a fully private aft deck. Every area of the yacht is designed for maximum comfort, featuring spacious communal spaces like the main salon and an observation lounge on the upper deck.The interior design strikes a perfect balance between natural light and high-quality materials. Curated by FM Architettura, the interiors showcase carefully chosen colors, decorations, and finishes that harmonize with the abundant natural light. Generous ceiling heights, refined furnishings, and a meticulous selection of materials enhance the yacht's elegance and comfort, making every corner inviting and sophisticated.Owner's suite “We are truly happy and honored to have been chosen by the Owner and their family to develop the interior architecture and design of this beautiful ship. From the outset, there has been a clear and inspiring vision, and we are thoroughly enjoying our collaboration with the A Group, Espen Øino, and the shipyard in creating this truly special vessel. We cannot wait to see her navigate the seas and bring joy to her owners and their family,” commented FM Architettura Design Studio.The naval platform, fully engineered by The Italian Sea Group, features optimized hull lines that deliver exceptional performance and superior onboard comfort, ensuring a unique cruising experience.Beach club With its extraordinary blend of outstanding design, cutting-edge innovation, and sustainability, Project Spyder 88m is set to emerge as one of the most exclusive yachts in the global yachting arena.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: TISG
December 12, 2024