Superyacht linked to Alexei Mordashov transits the Strait of Hormuz

The 142-meter superyacht Nord, valued at approximately $500 million and linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, transited the Strait of Hormuz last weekend. Departing Dubai on Friday, the vessel navigated through the sensitive maritime corridor and reached Muscat, Oman, by Sunday morning. The transit is considered unusual given current geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have significantly reduced daily commercial shipping traffic in the area. While Mordashov is not officially listed as the owner, corporate records from 2022 link the vessel to a company owned by his wife. The Nord, built by Lürssen and launched in 2021, features extensive amenities including two helipads and a submarine. Mordashov remains under international sanctions, and U.S. authorities have reportedly sought to seize the vessel for years. Representatives for the steel magnate declined to comment on the passage. The transit occurred via an Iran-designated safe lane, though the specific authorization process for the yacht remains unclear.