Mark Zuckerberg Adds A Third Superyacht To His Fleet With Its Own Helipad & Basketball Court!

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Billionaire tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg may have spent much of his early career downplaying displays of wealth, but it seems those days are long gone.

Shadowyacht Mark Zuckerberg
Photo credit: Bjorn Mierop for Boat International

With a reported net worth exceeding $206 billion, the Facebook founder and Meta CEO has fully embraced the billionaire lifestyle – complete with a personal fleet of superyachts for whenever he wants to enjoy the cruising lifestyle in privacy.

Zuckerberg has now acquired his third luxury vessel: U-81, a massive and formerly covert shadow yacht built by Damen Yachting.

The purchase, revealed by The Yacht Report and supported by multiple insider sources, adds yet another high-spec asset to what’s quickly becoming one of the flashiest billionaire mini-fleets in existence.

Meet U-81: From Offshore Platform to Record-Setting Shadow Yacht

Originally built as an offshore support platform under the name Naghi 1000, U-81 underwent a full conversion by Damen in 2022, turning it into one of the largest and most sophisticated shadow vessels in the world.

Commissioned by New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart to support his Amels megayacht ‘Here Comes the Sun’, U-81 was quietly put on the market in early 2025 and sold in an off-market deal. The buyer? Reportedly, Zuckerberg.

At 80.1 metres (262 feet) long and with an interior volume just under 3,000 GT, U-81 boasts a helipad, a toy and tender garage, space for over 40 support crew, and accommodation for up to eight guests.

Notably, once all equipment is offloaded, the garage converts into a full outdoor basketball court – a feature fit for any tech titan.

Powered by twin Caterpillar diesel-electric engines generating nearly 4,000 horsepower combined, U-81 offers both speed and efficiency. Its layout is designed for versatility, allowing it to serve either as a standalone superyacht or a fully outfitted shadow vessel.

A Growing Billionaire Fleet

Zuckerberg’s acquisition of U-81 follows his 2024 purchase of Launchpad, a 118-metre Feadship megayacht originally commissioned by a Russian oligarch but undelivered due to sanctions.

Around the same time, he also picked up Wingman (formerly Dapple), a 67-metre shadow yacht originally owned by Valve founder Gabe Newell.

While Wingman was more than adequate as a support vessel for Launchpad, the new addition of U-81 brings significantly more capability – and size – to the table.

Speculation now surrounds whether Zuckerberg plans to keep both shadow yachts (one for each hemisphere, perhaps) or offload Wingman in favour of this clear upgrade.

What Is a Shadow Yacht, and Why Does Zuckerberg Need One?

Shadow yachts, also known as support vessels, are often deployed alongside larger megayachts. They carry additional crew, water toys, tenders, and even helicopters, helping to keep the primary vessel uncluttered and service-focused.

For owners like Zuckerberg, these vessels represent flexibility, efficiency, and a way to elevate the onboard experience without compromise.

While specifics about U-81 remain scarce – especially since the ship was never offered for charter – it’s clear that it was built for someone who spares no expense.

Features like advanced launch systems, a helipad with built-in storage, and the ability to transform operational areas into leisure zones point to a yacht designed with elite cruising in mind.

From understated hoodies to multimillion-dollar watches and now a triad of superyachts, Zuckerberg’s transformation into a full-fledged luxury enthusiast has been nothing short of remarkable.

Though his public persona remains relatively low-key, his acquisitions paint a different picture.

With U-81 now reportedly in his possession, Zuckerberg’s floating fleet is worth an estimated $430 million – and that’s without factoring in his rumoured $300 million private island bunker in Hawaii.

His collection is no longer just impressive for a tech founder – it’s one that rivals the fleets of oligarchs and royals.

The summer yachting season is right around the corner, so it won’t be long before one (or all) of Zuckerberg’s vessels are spotted cruising through the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Maybe you’ll see him while you’re on a cruise?

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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