A superyacht linked to Alexey Mordashov, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing restrictions affecting this crucial shipping route.
The Nord, a luxury vessel measuring 142 meters (465 feet), journeyed from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, marking one of the few private ships to traverse the strait in recent months. This development occurs amid high-level talks between Iran and Russia, as tensions with the United States persist regarding the reopening of the strait.
Typically, around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies flow through this vital passage. Although Mordashov does not officially own the Nord, records indicate that the boat was registered to a company owned by his wife in 2022.
Valued at over Ksh64.6 billion ($500 million/£370 million), the Nord departed Dubai on Friday night and reached Al Mouj Marina in Oman’s capital on Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, according to Marine Traffic data. Maritime traffic in the Gulf has significantly decreased since the onset of conflict.
This turmoil has led to a sharp increase in global oil prices, with Brent crude reaching Ksh14,082 ($109/£80) per barrel on Monday.
Iran has tightened its shipping regulations in response to former President Donald Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports. Despite the heightened risks, the Russian-flagged Nord managed to pass through the strait, while many private vessels have chosen to avoid the area since the conflict escalated.
As peace negotiations remain stalled, Tehran is actively strengthening its ties with Russia. On Monday, President Putin welcomed an Iranian delegation in St. Petersburg, where Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised their “strategic relationship.” Putin acknowledged the resilience of the Iranian people in facing pressure from the United States and Israel, as reported by the Russian state-run news agency Tass.
Araghchi shared moments from the meeting on social media, highlighting the solidarity between the two nations. He stated, “Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership. As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia’s support for diplomacy.”
The Nord boasts luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, submarine, and helipad, according to Superyacht Times. Mordashov has faced sanctions from Western nations, including the UK, US, and European Union, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Notably, jurisdictions like Hong Kong and the Maldives have refrained from seizing the yacht despite international calls to freeze his assets.
As the chairman of Severstal, Russia’s largest steel and mining company, Mordashov holds an estimated net worth of approximately Ksh4.78 trillion ($37 billion/£27 billion), making him the richest Russian national according to Forbes. It remains uncertain whether he was aboard the Nord during its passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
