Scheherazade

Scheherazade is a 141.96-metre custom motor yacht built by Lürssen and delivered in 2020. Known during construction as Project Lightning, she is one of the largest private yachts in the world and has become one of the most widely discussed yachts because of her scale, secrecy and sanctions-related public reporting.

The yacht has exterior design by Espen Øino International and interior design publicly associated with François Zuretti. Her exterior profile is long, formal and imposing, with a high-volume superstructure, broad decks and the visual presence expected of a modern giga yacht.

Scheherazade is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and has a gross tonnage of approximately 10,167 GT. Her beam of around 23.3 metres gives her exceptional interior volume and allows for extensive guest, owner and service spaces across multiple decks.

Public information about her interior and private arrangements remains limited, but public sources refer to amenities such as helicopter facilities, large guest spaces, a pool arrangement, wellness areas and extensive service capacity. As with many very large private yachts, some claims about onboard features should be treated cautiously unless supported by primary sources.

The yacht is reported to accommodate up to 18 guests, with a large crew complement. BOAT International lists 40 crew, while other public sources report higher capacity; the difference may reflect operational definitions, guest configuration or incomplete public data.

Scheherazade was seized by Italian authorities in 2022 in connection with sanctions investigations. Public reporting has linked the yacht to Russian state or oligarch networks, while some investigations have alleged a connection to Vladimir Putin. These claims remain politically and legally sensitive, so ownership should be described cautiously as publicly reported or alleged rather than absolute fact.

Key features

• Built by Lürssen and delivered in 2020
• Known during construction as Project Lightning
• Approximately 141.96 metres in length
• Exterior design by Espen Øino International
• Interior design publicly associated with François Zuretti
• Steel hull and aluminium superstructure
• Gross tonnage of approximately 10,167 GT
• Beam of approximately 23.3 metres
• Reported accommodation for up to 18 guests
• Large crew and service capacity
• Giga yacht scale and private-use arrangement
• Subject to sanctions-related immobilisation in Italy in 2022