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Superyacht Linked to Sanctioned Russian Tycoon Crosses Blockaded Strait of Hormuz

The rare passage highlights the limits of enforcing wartime controls at the Hormuz chokepoint.

The 465-foot superyacht "Nord", linked to the sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov is seen docked, in Hong Kong, China October 7, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo
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Overview

  • Nord, the 142-meter yacht linked to Alexey Mordashov, left Dubai on Friday, crossed the strait on Saturday, and reached Muscat on Sunday, according to MarineTraffic and other trackers.
  • A source close to Mordashov said Iran and the United States raised no objection and that the yacht followed an approved route under maritime law, a claim not independently confirmed after his representative declined comment.
  • The transit stands out because Iran has sharply restricted movements through the strait since late February and the United States is blocking Iranian ports, shrinking daily passages from about 125–140 to only a few ships.
  • Shipping and Russian corporate records tie the yacht to a firm owned by Mordashov’s wife, while Mordashov remains under U.S. and EU sanctions over his ties to the Kremlin.
  • The crossing comes as Russia and Iran deepen coordination, including a 2025 security treaty and fresh talks in St. Petersburg, raising questions about sanctions enforcement as thousands of mariners remain delayed and energy prices stay elevated.