It is being widely reported by international broadcasters and throughout social media, that Russian-owned superyachts are being seized as they sit in waters of the countries that are posing sanctions on Russian companies and oligarchs. While these reports have been circulated, the sources behind some of these stories have been broadly unknown, we will continue to update this article as and when further yachts are sanctioned.

(Update 28-06-2023 11:45) 142m Lürssen superyacht Nord returns to Russia

According to online publication Bloomberg News, the 141.63-metre Lürssen superyacht Nord has returned back to her homeland of Russia after more than a year of avoiding sanctions and seizures. 

Nord had not transmitted an AIS signal in almost eight months, but was recently showing a location in Indonesia on 12 June before travelling to Vladivostok, Russia, where she is currently moored. 

The superyacht is believed to be owned by Russia’s richest man, Alexey Mordashov, who was targeted with sanctions by the US and EU, but not the United Nations, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Nord had avoided capture, and in October 2022, the Lürssen superyacht appeared in Hong Kong before continuing to Cape Town. Once her stop in South Africa became known, the AIS transponder was turned off, permitting her location from being tracked. In November 2022, Nord was seen travelling between two islands in the Maldives and has since made her way back to her homeland of Russia.

Nord was delivered in 2021 and features interior and exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard, with naval architecture from her builder Lürssen Yachts. She encompasses six decks and can accommodate up to 36 guests across 20 staterooms. 

Key features onboard Nord include a large helicopter landing deck aft, with fold-down side platforms to provide shelter for her helicopter. This can be stowed away in a retractable hangar that slides neatly into the superstructure when not in use. 

She is also equipped with a large sports and diving centre on the lower deck, oversized swimming pool on the main deck, and a fleet of custom tenders. Performance-wise, Nord is powered by four MTU engines, giving her a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.

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