Famously known as the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage, ie interior volume, the 156-meter Dilbar has redefined the notion of space in yachting. The third yacht to bear the same name, she was delivered by Lurssen to her Russian billionaire owner in 2017.


The first Dilbar superyacht to be delivered to Alisher Usmanov, a billionaire investor whose net worth was valued by Forbes at $16 billion, became a 66-meter Oceanco. Launched in 2005 by the Dutch shipyard, the first Dilbar was a significant step forward for the yard thanks to the 66-meter's innovative features such as her spa pool and beach club. Both well ahead of their time.

With an interior by Alberto Pinto, she became one of the most sought-after yachts on the water. Her rounded aft as well as her impressive 1,801GT of interior volume made her stand out from the crowd on the exterior. Inside, amenities included a private cinema, spacious cabins on the main deck, a vast dinning room and a salon with a piano.



Shortly prior to the delivery of his second Dilbar, Usmanov renamed the 66-meter to Ona in 2008 and subsequently put her on the brokerage market. The yacht was then sold in 2010 to US oil mogul, William Kallop at an asking price of €59.9 million.

Lately, Natita was in the press following her being seized by Goldman Sachs from Kallop and then sold. The American oil veteran had taken out a $32 million loan against Natita and his other yacht, the 57-meter Bad Girl, from Goldman before stopping to service it with nearly $28 million still left on it.



The investment bank thus decided to seize the 66-meter yacht from Kallop in Palm Beach and put her on the market. Goldman quickly offloaded Natita from their books by selling the yacht at a final price of $39.9 million, hence covering Kallop's remaining payment on the loan.



Usmanov's second Dilbar became a 110-meter superyacht out of Germany. A close sistership to Pelorus, she was launched by Lurssen in June 2008 and became the world's 17th largest yacht in the world. In addition to this, she also became one of the first yachts on the water to have particle filters on her main engine exhausts.



Known throughout her build as Project Opal, the 110-meter featured some similarities in interior design and amenities with the first Dilbar. A large Jacuzzi with a glass wall and water feature was installed forward of the sundeck with a lounging area around it, both on the 110-meter and the Oceanco. A lounge with a bar and piano was also incorporated into both yachts as well as a private cinema.



The scale of the new superyacht, however, allowed for some new, ameliorated features such as a large owner's office with several meeting areas and lounging area that opens onto the upper aft deck. A separate, executive conference room was also built onboard with an unbeatable view onto the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows. Other improvements include a spacious gym and spa area.



After several years near the top of the list of the world's largest yachts, the Dilbar name leapfrogged onto the number spot with the delivery of the 156-meter behemoth that is now the fleet's flagship. One of yachting's most anticipated projects ever, Dilbar was launched in 2016 and boasted a gross tonnage of 15,917 confirmed by the shipyard.



Around the same time, the 110-meter was renamed from Dilbar to Ona and put on the brokerage market according to landing pages that had then sprung up on websites of superyacht brokers. These have since been taken offline, however, it is yet unknown if the owner of the 110-meter changed or if these simply updated their marketing strategy.


Photo by Josip Baresic

With an exterior design by Espen Oeino, Dilbar now has a gross tonnage of 15,917 tons, hence topping Al Said's 15,850 tons and Azzam's 13,136 tons. Notably, all three of these voluminous yachts were built by Lurssen that has kept fortifying its position as the main destination for megayacht construction.



Impressive facts about the new Dilbar flagship include her beam of 23 meters as well as her deep, 6-meter draft. Onboard over 1,100km of cables were stretched for all of the required wiring and set up. According to the shipyard, 3,800 square meters of living space were built on Dilbar.



Built in under 52 months from the time of signing of the contract to delivery, Dilbar was also the largest yacht ever to feature a diesel electric power plant from an engineering standpoint. This lets the 156-meter yacht get up to a cruising speed of 22.5 knots. Her hull and superstructure represented near 10,000 square meters of faired surfaces.



Ever since her delivery in 2016, Dilbar has drawn the attention of worldwide press as well as social media users around the globe. Her travels throughout the Mediterranean have hence been essentially documented by enthusiasts around the world with her photos now having been taken from nearly every possible angle.



In early 2017, it was reported that a 160-meter berth, the largest in the world, was sold in OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona. Although the name of the acquirer of the long term lease that is set to last until 2036 wasn't released, Dilbar is statistically the only yacht that could have used the berth to its full potential, which it has indeed done during the off season.



Fully renovated in 2014 through a €100 million investment led by the UK-based Salamanca Group, OneOcean Port Vell has become a hype destination for large superyachts in recent quarters thanks to its newly built amenities. In 2017, they had reported a 742% spike in visits of 100m+ yachts. Later that year, the marina was acquired by Qatari investment bank, QInvest together with an investment fund beneficially owned by Russian billionaire, Vagit Alekperov.



Currently Russia's fifth richest man with a net worth of $16 billion according to Forbes, Alisher Usmanov was also featured as one of the most powerful people in the world on their 2016 ranking. Primarily known in yachting through the Dilbar fleet, Usmanov is best known in business circles as the main shareholder of USM Holdings.



USM's initial equity stakes primarily stem from the metal and industrial sectors. These have, however, over time diversified and now also include ownership of Megafon, one of Russia's largest telecom operators. To the United Kingdom, Usmanov is best known as one of the co-owners of the Arsenal football club.

To the tech community, Usmanov is one of the most successful investors in modern history, having made investments into companies such as Facebook, Alibaba and Mail.ru. 

Photos via Superyachts Gibraltar, Yacht Harbour, Instagram

Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!

Latest News

50m Project Orion Sold by Heesen
Heesen Yachts has announced the sale of its latest innovation, YN 20750 Project Orion, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable luxury yachting. The 50-meter Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium superyacht represents a groundbreaking fusion of advanced engineering, and eco-conscious design.Project Orion showcases Heesen’s pioneering hybrid propulsion system, delivering silent cruising capabilities up to 10 knots. The vessel’s ultra-efficient hull design and lightweight aluminium construction achieve a remarkable 30% reduction in fuel consumption. Powered by twin MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines, each producing 600kW, the yacht boasts a top speed of 16.3 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles.With a shallow draft of 2.15 meters, Project Orion offers unparalleled versatility, seamlessly navigating both the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas and the expansive Mediterranean. This dual-season capability is a testament to Heesen’s precision engineering and the yacht’s meticulously optimised design by van Oossanen.The yacht’s striking exterior, penned by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, features a dramatic vertical bow and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an elegant silhouette and offering panoramic views. Interior designer Cristiano Gatto has curated a contemporary, light-filled interior, utilising over 37 different materials, including high-gloss wood veneers, woven leather, and bespoke Italian marble.The 499 GT internal volume is configured with a six-stateroom layout, including a full-beam owner’s stateroom on the main deck and a VIP suite. All fixed furniture and finishes are crafted by skilled artisans, with Cadorin’s artisan dark wood flooring and luxurious leather selections enhancing the onboard experience.“Project Orion is a testament to our commitment to advancing superyacht technology while seamlessly blending sustainability with luxury,” said Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s CCO. “With our innovative hybrid solutions, we are setting new standards in energy efficiency and delivering an unparalleled cruising experience.”The sale, facilitated by Anton Foord of Ocean Independence, marks a significant achievement for Heesen, demonstrating the growing demand for eco-friendly luxury yachts that do not compromise on performance or comfort. Project Orion is scheduled for delivery in mid-May.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credit: RubenGriffioen/Heesen Yachts
Sunreef Yachts' Lucy is an Addition to IYC Sales Fleet
IYC welcomed the 15 meter Sunreef Yachts Lucy to its sales fleet, listing her for sale with consultants Jamie Swaine and Andrea Gallazzi. Lucy is a rare, one-owner Sunreef 50 from 2021, offering an opportunity to acquire one of the finest sailing catamarans on the market.The yacht, which has been maintained by a single discerning owner since new, features a range of upgrades that enhance her performance, comfort, and style. Accommodating eight guests in four spacious cabins, Lucy seamlessly blends performance and comfort, making her ideal for bluewater cruising and luxury charters. Her galley-up layout ensures complete self-sufficiency, catering to both sailing aficionados and those who appreciate a luxurious entertainment experience.Offering significant savings for European buyers by virtue of VAT already being paid, Lucy represents an exceptional opportunity in a competitive market. IYC, one of the world's largest international yachting companies, operates with over 130 professionals across 15 strategically located offices worldwide.Credits: IYC
SY62 3-Deck Closed Launched by Silent Yachts
Italian builder Silent Yachts has expanded its catamaran lineup with the introduction of the SY62 3-Deck Closed. This latest addition to the SY62 series features an enclosed upper deck design, making it particularly well-suited for operation in hotter climates, especially in regions like Asia.SY62 3-Deck ClosedThe launch of the SY62 3-Deck Closed follows closely on the heels of the seventh SY62 3-Deck Open, marking another milestone for Silent Yachts in their successful start to the year. The company, which was taken over by new owners in March 2024, has demonstrated its commitment to growth with plans to launch 10 yachts in 2025, including nine SY62 models and the new flagship SY80.“We are incredibly proud of the new Closed version of the SY62 3-Deck,” said Fabrizio Iarrera, CEO of Silent Yachts. “Less than a year after taking over, we are excited to introduce this new addition to our range, which highlights our commitment to quality and innovation in solar-powered cruising catamarans.”SY62 3-Deck ClosedThe Closed version retains all the space, amenities, and comforts of the award-winning SY62 3-Deck Open, which won the prestigious World Yachts Trophies ‘Most Efficient Yacht’ award at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024. The enclosed upper deck offers an exceptional owner’s studio apartment with panoramic views, accessible through glass sliding doors to a covered aft deck. SY62 3-Deck ClosedLike its sibling models, the SY62 3-Deck Closed continues to deliver Silent Yachts’ signature silent, fume-free cruising experience, making it a highly sought-after choice for eco-conscious yacht owners.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
Numarine Launches Latest 37XP Yacht Model, Orpheus
Turkish yard Numarine has launched the 37.2-meter Orpheus from its Kocaeli site, marking the latest addition to the 37XP model, the largest in the Numarine fleet. The 37XP series, initiated in 2021 with the launch of Alaia, is characterized by a full-displacement steel hull designed for long-range and offshore cruising.Umberto Tagliavini served as the naval architect, while Can Yalman led the exterior and interior design. A standout feature of the Orpheus is its flybridge, which spans nearly 10 meters and offers 83 square meters of open space.The yacht accommodates up to six guests across five cabins, including a main deck master suite and an upper deck VIP cabin. The VIP cabin benefits from an aft-facing bed and a terrace that can be adapted for sunbathing, outdoor sports, parties, or storing tenders. Another al fresco space is the beach club, featuring a bathing platform and a water-level lounge.Orpheus boasts a range of 6,000 nautical miles at eight knots, placing it among the elite expedition yachts in its class, according to the yard.Orpheus joins eight other 37XP models in service, with a ninth flagship, the 39-meter 40MXP, scheduled for delivery later this year.Credits: Numarine
Pershing Launches GTX70 Unit
The first unit of the Pershing GTX70, an agile and dynamic yacht embodying the innovations of the GTX series, was launched on March 19 in the port of Fano. Representing the most compact model in the range, the GTX70 captures the sporty spirit and livable spaces of its predecessors, offering an exceptional on-board experience in a more compact format.Measuring 21.88 meters in length and 5.42 meters in beam, the GTX70 is the result of collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, Vallicelli Design, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The new hull was produced at the Ferretti Group Plug and Mould facility, leveraging the brand’s advanced technology and craftsmanship, with construction completed in the new Mondolfo production area.Characterized by extensive exterior and interior spaces, the GTX70 offers an exceptionally comfortable experience, increasing on-board liveability and providing direct contact with the water. Spanning two decks and a sportbridge, the yacht accommodates up to six guests in three cabins.The exterior design, clad in classic Pershing grey, carries forward stylistic elements from the GTX series, including a slightly convex sheer line, stanchion-free design, and sleek, sweeping lines. The bow’s near-vertical shape adds to the yacht’s elegance. The beach area aft, furnished with a sunpad on this first unit, spans 23 square meters when the side terraces are open. The stern swim platform features dual-linear lift technology, increasing usable space and enabling the deployment of a jet ski or Williams 325 tender.The main deck boasts a seamless, open design, with a generous C-shaped sofa and table in the shaded cockpit. The galley is connected to the exterior and interior lounge areas via a pocket up-down glass panel, enhancing the flow of space. The use of contrasting colors, such as dark nubuck leather upholstery and muted tones, creates a visually striking atmosphere, while LED light strips illuminate the deck.Below deck, the three cabins and three en suite bathrooms optimize comfort in the sleeping area. The 16-square-meter sportbridge is divided into sunbathing, dining, and helm stations, featuring an innovative electric bimini top with prepreg carbon poles, available as an option.Powered by three 900 hp Volvo Pent D13 IPS1200 units, the GTX70 reaches a top speed of 35 knots and cruising speed of 30 knots (preliminary data).The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group