Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta, has taken another bold step into the world of luxury maritime assets. Just months after acquiring two extraordinary vessels — the 118-meter megayacht Launchpad and its support ship Wingman — Zuckerberg has added a third to his growing fleet: the U-81 shadow yacht.

This latest acquisition, a 2022 Damen-built vessel, was previously owned by New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart. Valued at approximately $100 million, the U-81 is not just a support ship — it’s a full-fledged superyacht in its own right. Designed to assist larger vessels while maintaining its own luxurious features, the U-81 combines practicality with opulence.

Equipped with a helipad, a heavy-duty crane, and expansive storage for water toys, vehicles, or even mini-submarines, the U-81 is built for serious adventure. Inside, the yacht can accommodate up to eight guests in high-end comfort, supported by a crew of 26. It exemplifies the new trend in yachting where shadow vessels provide additional capabilities — including extra storage, maintenance support, and security — to complement primary superyachts.

Zuckerberg’s investment in maritime luxury now totals an estimated $430 million, placing him among the top echelon of yacht-owning billionaires. His fleet rivals those of tech peers like Jeff Bezos, as well as ultra-wealthy oligarchs from Russia and the Middle East who have long dominated the global superyacht scene.

While Zuckerberg has remained relatively quiet about his nautical interests, his actions speak volumes. The purchase of such sophisticated vessels suggests a desire not only for privacy and leisure but also for exploring the seas in style — possibly blending personal luxury with innovation and technology testing.

Some industry insiders speculate that Meta’s interest in immersive and experiential technology may play a role in Zuckerberg’s yachting endeavors. With floating platforms like these, there could be future opportunities to integrate advanced VR, AR, or AI technologies into leisure and research activities at sea.

Regardless of the motivations, Zuckerberg’s growing fleet is a statement of power and prestige. With Launchpad, Wingman, and now U-81 under his command, the tech mogul has firmly anchored himself in the world of elite yachting.

As the yachting world watches closely, one thing is clear: Mark Zuckerberg is charting a new course — not just in tech, but on the high seas.