German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen has begun the construction of a brand new 262ft superyacht. The keel laying ceremony of the vessel codenamed Abeking 6516 was recently held at the shipyard’s G&K SteelCon facility in Świnoujście, Poland. Most of the details around the superyacht, including specifics about the design, features, and ownership, are shrouded in mystery thanks to a strict confidentiality agreement between the client and Abeking & Rasmussen. However, the pleasure vessel is believed to have been commissioned by Ukrainian-American billionaire Jan Koum, according to the YouTube channel The Yacht Report.
According to the German shipyard, Abeking 6516 will feature a design penned by a well-known UK-based studio, while its tender garage will be home to an array of water toys and tenders for the guests to indulge in various water-based activities.
The luxury vessel is estimated to be priced in excess of $170 million. If everything goes according to plan, Abeking & Rasmussen claims it will be able to deliver the superyacht by 2026, making it the sixth one to join Koum’s massive fleet of uber-luxurious vessels.
From living on food stamps to becoming a billionaire
Jan Koum, the co-founder of WhatsApp, has a compelling rags-to-riches story that underscores resilience, innovation, and determination. Born on February 24, 1976, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Koum grew up in a small village near Kyiv in a household that lacked running water and consistent electricity. The family lived a modest life under challenging conditions. At 16, Koum and his mother immigrated to Mountain View, California, for a better future. They lived on government assistance, and his mother worked as a babysitter to make ends meet.
Koum developed an interest in computers during his teenage years and taught himself programming by reading manuals he borrowed from bookstores. He enrolled at San Jose State University but dropped out to focus on his passion for programming while working as a security tester at Ernst & Young. After spending a decade working for Yahoo, Koum founded WhatsApp with Brian Acton in 2009. After just five years, Facebook acquired it for $19 billion, making it one of the largest tech acquisitions in history.
An armada of superyachts
From a humble beginning in Ukraine, Koum has come a long way, with his current net worth estimated to be around $15 billion. The entrepreneur’s first superyacht was Mogambo. Acquired in 2018, the $75 million superyacht was crafted by Nobiskrug. It boasts luxurious interiors by Reymond Langton and can host 12 guests with a crew of 19. This yacht epitomizes high-end design and sophistication.
The next to join Koum’s fleet was Feadship’s 328-foot vessel Moonrise. Launched in 2020, the superyacht is estimated to be worth $220 million. It features sleek exteriors by De Voogt Naval Architects and interiors by Rémi Tessier. The yacht accommodates 16 guests with a crew of 32 and includes high-end amenities such as a beach club, gym, and helipad. Moonrise ranks as the sixth-largest Feadship yacht.
Both the superyachts have their own support vessels. Serving as a support vessel for Moonrise, Nebula is equipped with an air-conditioned helicopter hangar, custom tenders, and recreational equipment, including speedboats and jet skis. It also houses staff accommodations for 38 people. On the other hand, Power Play was acquired in 2019 as a vessel that complements Mogambo and enhances its functionality.
In addition to these four vessels, Feadship is currently building a 331-footer for the billionaire, codenamed Project 1013. This vessel is one of the largest yachts ever built by Feadship, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge luxury. It boasts a sleek design with a masculine aesthetic, similar to Koum’s existing 328-foot yacht Moonrise. It features an estimated interior volume of 4,000 gross tons, offering expansive spaces designed by Rémi Tessier.
