Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
A Russian-linked superyacht named Nord, associated with sanctioned billionaire Alexei Mordashov, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing regional tensions and a de facto blockade. The vessel traveled from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, bypassing heavily restricted waters amid Iran's standoff with the US over shipping access. The movement highlights how some high-value assets linked to Russian elites continue to operate globally despite Western sanctions.
- ▪The Nord, a $500m superyacht linked to Alexei Mordashov, transited the Strait of Hormuz from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend.
- ▪Mordashov, one of Russia's wealthiest individuals, is under Western sanctions due to his ties to Vladimir Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- ▪Iran has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz since February, prompting the US to deploy forces to intercept vessels bound for or from Iranian ports.
- ▪The Nord was registered to a company owned by Mordashov's wife in 2022, circumventing direct ownership links.
- ▪Several Russian oligarchs' yachts have relocated to regions like the Middle East and Asia to avoid seizure under international sanctions.
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Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade28 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHarry SekulichandJaroslav LukivReutersThe multi-deck luxury boat valued at more than $500m (£370m) transited the Gulf waterway at the weekendA superyacht linked to one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's key allies has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ongoing blockade of the critical shipping channel.The 142m-long (465 ft) multi-deck luxury boat, named Nord, is linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov.
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