Jeddah : A luxury superyacht reportedly linked to a sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov has successfully crossed the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing restrictions imposed by Iran.
The vessel, identified as Nord, is believed to be connected to Russian steel magnate Alexei Mordashov. Maritime tracking data indicates that the 465-foot yacht departed from a marina in Dubai at approximately 2 p.m.
On Friday and navigated the high-risk waterway in the early hours of Saturday before arriving in Muscat on Sunday morning.
The crossing has drawn attention due to strict controls introduced by Iran since February, following escalating tensions with the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handling nearly one fifth of global oil transportation under normal conditions.
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Currently, there are only a limited number of vessels mainly commercial ships are allowed to pass through the strait each day, a sharp decline from the pre conflict average of 125 to 140 daily transits. The restrictions remain in place despite a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
It remains unclear how the yacht obtained permission to make the passage, raising questions about enforcement and access during the ongoing security situation.
A spokesperson for Alexei Mordashov declined to comment on the matter.
“Iran did not interfere with the movement of the yacht, as it is a civilian vessel of a friendly country conducting a peaceful transit. The American side also raised no questions regarding the yacht’s movement, as it did not call at Iranian ports and has no connection to Iran,” A source close to Mordashov quoted by Reuters, said.
The unusual transit highlights the continuing uncertainty surrounding maritime operations in the region, as geopolitical tensions continue to impact global shipping routes and energy supply chains.