The words largest, custom, and superyacht are a match made in heaven. They guarantee a humongous canvas for the industry’s talents to showcase their prowess and for yacht enthusiasts to revel in. This time, it is an Amels creation, called Project Tanzanite. Damen Yachting announced the successful launch of the largest Amels Full Custom superyacht to date. At 394 feet, Project Tanzanite isn’t just Amels’ largest creation, it’s set to outmuscle Jeff Bezos’s $500 million Koru in sheer volume.
The ship is undergoing the final outfitting stage at the Amels main shipyard in Vlissingen City. Currently docked at the newly built quay on the Piet Heinkade in Vlissingen, Project Tanzanite’s grandeur has turned the harbour into a local attraction. No matter the other seven superyachts lined up, in this mini Monaco, it is Tanzanite that onlookers are often queuing to catch a glimpse and photograph the under-construction titan.
The five-decker is a Full Custom design boasting naval architecture by Damen Yachting and a stunning exterior by Espen Øino. The result is a breathtaking expanse, with sharp, linear lines and plenty of uncluttered, airy spaces. Closer observation reveals two helipads aboard, one on the foredeck and the other aft on the sundeck.
Recreational highlights include a long pool on the main deck and tender storage behind large shell doors flanking the foredeck. Inside, the massive saloon feels relaxed yet elegant, with the finest wood and marble complemented by pops of impressive artwork on the walls. It feels less like a yacht interior and more like a billionaire’s private gallery at sea. Still, what sets Project Tanzanite apart is not just its beauty but its performance.
The yacht uses diesel-electric propulsion and, according to Amels, has “the lowest levels of noise and vibration ever recorded on a yacht of this size.” Beneath her sleek exterior, Tanzanite hides a secret weapon, a whisper-quiet propulsion system. Instead of the clunky shaftlines and gearboxes that rumble through most yachts, her Kongsberg pods glide silently, so guests can watch a film or dine under the stars without the hum of heavy engines in the background.
At 6,083 GT, Tanzanite isn’t just massive, she’s built for the world’s most ambitious journeys, able to cross oceans with ease on her 6,000-mile range. Within, 22 guests enjoy palatial comfort across 11 cabins, attended by 43 crew who ensure every whim is met before it’s spoken. According to the shipyard, more than 1,000 craftspeople worked on the vessel, which was launched in 2023 and is set to hit the water next year.
