The largest ship in the world surpassed both the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building in length. Known as the Seawise Giant, it holds the record as one of the longest self-propelled vessels in history.

Constructed in Japan between 1974 and 1979, the ship, later renamed Happy Giant, Knock Nevis and Mont, boasted the highest deadweight tonnage ever recorded for a ship. When fully loaded, it weighed a staggering 657,019 tonnes, making it the heaviest ship in the world. The Seawise Giant had a draft of 24.6 metres (81ft) and measured 458.45 metres (1,504.1 ft) in length.

The ship has a rich history, having been built by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan, as an Ultra Large Crude Carrier, reports the Mirror.

For a considerable period, it remained unnamed and was identified by its hull number, 1016. The ship encountered severe vibration issues during sea trials, leading an unidentified Greek owner to refuse delivery.

Eventually, thanks to a deal with Hong Kong Orient Overseas Container Line, the Japanese shipyard managed to sell the ship. However, they wished to extend the ship by several metres and add 146,152 tonnes of cargo capacity.

Two years on, the vessel was relaunched as the Seawise Giant. In 1988, it sustained damage during the Iran-Iraq war when fires broke out on board, causing oil to spill into the water.

Although the ship remained intact, the extent of the damage rendered it uneconomical to repair.

However, a Norwegian investment firm acquired the damaged vessel. Over subsequent years, it underwent repairs and was rechristened Happy Giant.

Until 2004, the ship remained under the ownership of various Norwegian investment companies. It was subsequently purchased by First Olsen Tankers and renamed Knock Nevis.

The vessel was converted into a predominantly moored storage tanker in the Persian Gulf.

However, it was then acquired by new owners Amber Development and named Mont. It undertook one final journey to India where the ship was dismantled.

The vessel was beached in December 2009 and owing to its enormous size, it took until the end of 2010 for it to be scrapped. The Seawise Giant’s anchor was preserved and is on public display in Hong Kong.

It remains in history as the longest ship ever built at 458.45 metres and is taller than many of the world’s tallest buildings. The Eiffel Tower stands at 330 metres and the Empire State Building at 443 metres.