Superyacht linked to Putin's friend slips through Strait of Hormuz

Lead

A 142-metre superyacht linked to one of Russia's wealthiest and most sanctioned oligarchs has made a rare transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that has been largely closed to private vessels since the outbreak of Middle East hostilities in late February. The vessel, named Nord, completed the journey from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, according to multiple reports.

The transit of the $500 million yacht, associated with Alexei Mordashov, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlights the complex dynamics of a region where US-Iran tensions have brought maritime traffic to a near standstill.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the event has been consistent across major outlets, though each has framed the story with slightly different emphases. ABC Australia, citing Reuters, described the journey as "dangerous" and noted that few private vessels have made the attempt since the conflict began. The BBC similarly highlighted that the yacht sailed "despite the ongoing blockade" of the strait. The Guardian, drawing on a source close to Mordashov, reported that the transit was unopposed by either Iran or the United States, and that the vessel followed an approved route in compliance with international maritime law.

All three outlets agree on the key facts: the yacht is linked to Mordashov, it traveled from Dubai to Oman over the weekend, and the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

Key Claims

A Superyacht Linked to a Sanctioned Oligarch

The superyacht Nord is linked to Alexei Mordashov, a Russian billionaire with an estimated net worth of around $37 billion, according to Forbes, as reported by the BBC. Mordashov, who has close ties to Putin, has been sanctioned by multiple Western nations, including Australia, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ABC Australia reported. The ownership structure of Nord is complex, with records indicating it was registered to a firm owned by Mordashov's wife in 2022, according to the BBC and ABC Australia. This particular detail, while reported by multiple outlets, is based on a single chain of documents and has not been independently verified.

The Journey

Nord left Dubai on Friday evening and arrived at Al Mouj, a marina near Muscat, Oman, on Sunday morning, according to data from the Marine Traffic platform, as reported by the BBC. The vessel, which boasts 20 guest cabins, two helipads, and a beauty salon, is estimated to be worth more than $500 million, multiple outlets reported.

The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the wider world, and is critical to international shipping. Around 20% of global oil exports pass through it, according to ABC Australia and the BBC, with the BBC noting that it also carries approximately 20% of global liquefied natural gas supplies. Prior to the war, the strait saw an average of 125 to 140 daily transits, The Guardian reported, citing a source close to Mordashov. Since the war began, traffic has been severely restricted, with only a few merchant vessels making the passage.

The Political Backdrop

The transit comes as Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff over the strait's reopening. Iran closed the waterway on February 28 after US and Israeli airstrikes, and the US has since imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, ABC Australia reported. In this context, the passage of a Russian-flagged vessel is noteworthy, given Russia's longstanding alliance with Iran. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, traveled to St. Petersburg on Monday to meet with Putin, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations, as reported by both the BBC and The Guardian.

Perspectives

Iran's View

According to a source close to Mordashov, as reported by The Guardian, Iran did not interfere with the yacht's movement because it was "a civilian vessel of a friendly country conducting a peaceful transit." This statement reflects Iran's official posture of permitting peaceful passage for vessels of allied nations.

The United States' Position

The same source indicated that the American side raised no objections, stating that the yacht "did not call at Iranian ports and has no connection to Iran." This suggests that US enforcement of the blockade is focused on vessels with direct Iranian ties, rather than all traffic through the strait.

Observers' Concerns

The ease with which Nord transited the strait may raise questions about the effectiveness of the blockade and the broader geopolitical maneuvering in the region. However, given that the vessel is Russian-flagged and Russia maintains friendly relations with both Iran and, to some extent, other regional powers, its passage may be seen as an exception rather than the rule.

Conclusion

As a ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in place but fragile, the transit of Nord serves as a reminder of the intricate web of alliances and interests that shape the region's maritime landscape. The vessel's successful passage, while notable, appears to have been the result of its Russian nationality and the absence of objections from either side. Whether other private vessels will follow suit remains unclear, but for now, the Strait of Hormuz remains a heavily restricted, though not entirely closed, waterway.