Russian Superyacht Navigates Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade
A superyacht associated with a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has transited the Strait of Hormuz, defying the ongoing blockade of this vital maritime route.
The 142-meter (465 feet) luxury vessel Nord, connected to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov, journeyed from Dubai to Muscat, Oman over the weekend. It is among a limited number of private vessels to have passed through the strait in recent months.
Iran has engaged in high-level discussions with Russia this week amid a continuing standoff with the United States over reopening the strait.
Approximately 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies typically transit this waterway.
Mordashov, known for his close relationship with Putin, is not officially listed as the owner of the yacht. However, registration records indicate that Nord was registered in 2022 to a company owned by his wife.
Estimated to be worth over $500 million (£370 million), Nord departed Dubai on Friday night and arrived at Al Mouj marina in Oman's capital on Sunday morning, according to data from the Marine Traffic platform.
Maritime traffic through the Gulf channel remains significantly reduced compared to pre-conflict levels.
The ongoing conflict has contributed to a sharp increase in global oil prices, with the Brent crude benchmark rising to $109 (£80) per barrel on Monday.
Iran continues to restrict shipping through the strategic waterway following former US President Donald Trump's announcement that US forces would enforce a blockade on Iranian ports.
The Russian-flagged Nord successfully passed through the strait despite most private vessels avoiding the area since hostilities began.
While long-term peace negotiations between Iran and the US remain stalled, Tehran has intensified diplomatic efforts this week to strengthen its relationship with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted an Iranian delegation in St Petersburg on Monday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described their relationship as "strategic".
"Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership.
As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia's support for diplomacy."
Putin told Araghchi that the Iranian people were "courageously fighting" for their sovereignty amid American and Israeli pressure, according to Russian state news agency Tass.
Araghchi shared photographs on X showing him smiling and shaking hands with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The Nord superyacht features a swimming pool, submarine, and helipad, as detailed in a profile by Superyacht Times magazine.
Mordashov has been subject to sanctions imposed by the UK, US, and European Union since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Despite calls from Western nations to freeze his assets, Hong Kong and the Maldives have not seized the yacht.
Mordashov chairs the steel company Severstal, with Forbes estimating his net worth at approximately $37 billion (£27.3 billion). It is unclear whether he was aboard the Nord during its passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
