A luxury superyacht connected to a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly navigated the Strait of Hormuz, despite an ongoing blockade affecting the key shipping route.
The 142-metre (465 ft) multi-deck vessel, known as Nord, is associated with sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov. Over the weekend, it travelled from Dubai to Muscat in Oman, making it one of the few private yachts to pass through the strait in recent months.
The move comes as Iran engaged in high-level discussions with Russia this week, while tensions with the United States over reopening the waterway remain unresolved.
Roughly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Although Mordashov, a known Putin ally, is not officially registered as the yacht’s owner, shipping records suggest the vessel was listed under a company linked to his wife in 2022.
Valued at over $500 million (£370 million), Nord departed Dubai on Friday night and arrived at Al Mouj marina in Oman’s capital on Sunday morning, according to Marine Traffic data.
The tracked route appears to align with passages reportedly approved by Iranian authorities for certain vessels.
It remains unclear whether formal clearance was granted by Iran for this specific journey.
Mordashov built his wealth through Severstal, a major steel and mining company in Russia, and is widely regarded as the country’s wealthiest individual listed by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $37 billion (£27 billion).
In response to US and Israeli strikes that began on 28 February, Iran has imposed strict limitations on maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier this month, Tehran issued warnings that vessels approaching the area could be targeted.
Washington, in turn, stated that its forces would intercept or redirect ships heading to or from Iranian ports.
Tracking data suggests the Nord did not make any stops in Iran during its passage.
The US Central Command defines the start of the blockade zone as lying east of the yacht’s last recorded position.
Shipping activity through the Gulf waterway has dropped sharply, now operating at a fraction of its pre-conflict levels.
The escalating situation has also pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude reaching $109 (£80) per barrel on Monday.
According to Superyacht Times, the Nord features high-end amenities including a swimming pool, submarine, and helicopter pad.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Mordashov has faced sanctions from the UK, US, and European Union.
Despite Western pressure, jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and the Maldives have previously not seized the vessel.
In March 2022, Italian authorities impounded another of his yachts, the 65-metre Lady M, in the port of Imperia.
Several Russian-owned yachts have since been detained or denied access to European ports under sanctions linked to the Ukraine war.
As enforcement tightened in Europe, many of these vessels have been relocated to regions considered less restrictive, including parts of the Middle East and Asia.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Moscow have intensified as broader peace talks with the United States remain stalled.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iranian officials in St Petersburg on Monday, where Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described relations as a “strategic partnership.”
State media reported Putin telling Araghchi that Iranians were “courageously fighting” for sovereignty amid pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv.
On social media platform X, Araghchi posted images of meetings with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, showing warm exchanges.
He wrote that recent developments highlight “the depth and strength of our strategic partnership,” adding appreciation for Russia’s diplomatic support as cooperation between both nations deepens.