Russian oligarch's mega-yacht ‘Nord’ safely navigates Strait of Hormuz: Report

Iran is using its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the current conflict with the US and Israel, but Tehran-linked vessels and allies of Iran are still using the key waterway without hassle.

As per reports, a superyacht belonging to one of the richest people in Russia crossed  the Strait of Hormuz safely. The vessel, Nord, belongs to Russian oligarch Alexei Mordashov , chairman of "Severstal", a huge Russian corporation involved in mining and metals. Mordashov's fortune is estimated at about $30 billion, and he is considered one of the richest people in Russia. Like many other senior officials there, he and his family were also subject to US sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

According to the CNN report, based on data from the maritime intelligence  company MarineTraffic, the 142-meter-long giant yacht sailed from Dubai last night and crossed the Strait of Hormuz overnight, en route to Muscat, the capital of Oman. According to the report, it used the shipping lane that Iran declared safe and mine-free. The lane, which is under the control of the Revolutionary Guards, passes near the Iranian island of Laraq, closer to the Iranian coast.

The Nord is ranked 14th on the list of the world's largest yachts, and CNN previously reported that it cost around $500 million. The news network described it as "1.5 times the size of a football field," noting that it has two aircraft carriers and is usually staffed by a large staff, including a permanent chef, a fitness trainer, and a masseuse

Meanwhile, as per reports, the Strait is witnessing little traffic of merchant ships. As on Saturday morning, observable traffic was down to only two very small fuel carriers and one tiny coastal cargo ship, all with ties to Tehran. No ships were observed on their way in, according to Bloomberg.