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Founded by the Norwegian visionary Espen Øino, Espen Øino International, the Monaco-based design house has become synonymous with some of the most extraordinary vessels ever to grace the world’s oceans. From record-breaking titans to sleek, innovative explorers, the studio’s portfolio reads like a maritime hall of fame, each project a testament to what happens when client vision meets uncompromising design excellence.
From Oslo to Monaco: A Design Dynasty in the Making
Espen Øino’s journey into yacht design was almost predestined. Born in Oslo, Norway, he grew up in a family with a five-generation tradition of building river boats. The water was in his blood, and the craft of boatbuilding was part of his heritage. But it was his academic pursuit of naval architecture and offshore engineering at Strathclyde University in Glasgow that would set him on the path to becoming one of the most influential designers in superyacht history.
Øino launched his professional career at the studio of legendary designer Martin Francis, where he contributed to the conceptual design of the Eco project—later known as Enigma—a vessel that would become one of the most talked-about yachts of its era. This formative experience laid the groundwork for what would become Espen Øino International, a studio that would go on to shape the very definition of luxury afloat.
The Inside-Out Philosophy
What sets Espen Øino International apart from its peers is not merely the scale of its projects, but the philosophy that underpins every design. Øino’s approach is famously client-centric and inside-out. Rather than designing a beautiful exterior shell and then figuring out what goes inside, the studio begins with the yacht’s purpose and interior layout. The size, speed, and exterior form all flow from what the vessel is meant to do and how its owner intends to live aboard it.
This philosophy is deceptively simple but profoundly effective. As Øino himself has noted, the more creative and engaged the client, the more innovative the design becomes. There is no rigid “Øino style” imposed upon every project—instead, each yacht is a unique expression of its owner’s vision, filtered through the studio’s unparalleled expertise in naval architecture, exterior styling, and engineering.
A Portfolio of Legends
The sheer breadth and impact of Espen Øino International’s work is staggering. The studio has designed some of the largest, most complex, and most admired yachts ever built.
At the apex stands Dilbar, delivered in 2016 at 156 meters. At the time of her launch, she was the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage, boasting an astonishing 15,917 GT of interior volume. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar redefined what was possible in terms of sheer scale and luxury, featuring a 25-meter swimming pool, two helipads, and accommodation for up to 40 guests.
Then there is REV, she was expected to be the largest superyacht in the world, but her significance extends far beyond size. Built for environmental research in collaboration with WWF Norway, REV represents a bold step toward using superyachts as platforms for ocean conservation and scientific discovery.
The legendary Octopus, delivered in 2003 at 126.2 meters for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Equipped with two submarines, a music studio, a basketball court, and multiple helipads, Octopus was not merely a yacht—it was a floating research and adventure platform that undertook scientific expeditions and discovered historic shipwrecks.
Other iconic projects include Flying Fox (136m), reportedly the 14th largest yacht in the world at launch with two helipads and a massive swimming pool; Serene (133.8m), the largest private yacht ever built in Italy at the time of her delivery; Kismet (95.2m), designed for corporate entertainment with capacity for parties of hundreds of guests; and Ocean Victory (140m), featuring pools, an internal foldable dock, and a spa zone.
The studio’s work on Solandge (85.1m) earned the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show Award for Best Exterior Design, while Silver Fast (77m) pushed the boundaries of eco-efficiency as one of the world’s largest and fastest aluminum motor yachts.
Beyond the Superyacht
Espen Øino International’s influence extends well beyond the superyacht realm. The studio has designed a range of powerboats, including the Windy Shamal, Alizé, Huracan, and foil-assisted Vandal Explorer catamarans. It has also ventured into the cruise sector, contributing designs for vessels such as Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen.
More recently, Øino has turned his attention to the future of marine propulsion, championing alternative fuels and even developing a forward-looking yacht concept that integrates a nuclear reactor in collaboration with Emerald Nuclear. This willingness to embrace radical innovation while maintaining the highest standards of design is what keeps the studio at the cutting edge of the industry.
A Legacy of Excellence
Today, Espen Øino International is headquartered in Monaco and employs a multicultural, multi-disciplined team of designers, naval architects, and engineers. The studio’s client base spans the globe, from Japan to Seattle, and its reputation as one of the world’s leading design houses for large bespoke motor yachts is unassailable.
What makes Espen Øino International truly legendary is not just the size of the yachts it designs, but the vision it brings to every project. In an industry where excess is often mistaken for excellence, Øino has consistently demonstrated that true luxury lies in purpose, proportion, and the seamless integration of form and function. Each yacht that leaves the drawing boards of this remarkable studio is not just a vessel—it is a floating work of art, a testament to human ambition, and a dream made real upon the water.
As the superyacht industry continues to evolve, with ever-greater emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, Espen Øino International stands ready to lead the way.
