A $500 million superyacht linked to one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, in one of the rare crossings recorded since the key shipping route became effectively restricted.
According to available tracking data, the Nord, measuring 464 feet in length, passed through the strait on Saturday morning local time after departing from Dubai on Friday. By Sunday, the vessel was broadcasting its position off the coast of Muscat.
The Nord is the twelfth largest superyacht in the world. Built by German shipbuilder Lürssen, it can accommodate up to 36 guests and features a gym, swimming pool, cinema, lift, beauty salon and two helipads.
Who is Alexey Mordashov
The yacht is widely believed to be linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov, owner of steel giant Severstal. While he is not listed as the official owner, he is considered the de facto controller of the vessel. Records indicate that in 2022 the yacht was owned by a company registered in the name of his wife.
Mordashov is regarded as the richest person in Russia, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bloomberg estimates his wealth at $29.4 billion, while Forbes places his family’s fortune at around $37 billion.
He is currently under sanctions, and US authorities have been attempting to seize the Nord for several years.
It remains unclear how the vessel was permitted to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. Since late February, Iran has targeted ships attempting to pass through the waterway. At the same time, US forces have been operating in the area, pushing back Iranian vessels and monitoring ships travelling to or from Iranian ports.
Russia and Iran maintain close ties, with ongoing coordination since the start of the Middle East conflict. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate in the crisis during a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply since hostilities began. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported last week that 187 vessels had passed through the waterway since 4 March. Before the conflict, between 125 and 140 ships crossed the strait each day.
Most of those vessels were commercial ships or oil tankers, making the Nord one of the very few private yachts to enter the area under current conditions.
Source: naftemporiki.gr