By Blessing Nweke
A luxury superyacht linked to Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov has passed through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, defying a sharp downturn in maritime traffic caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The 142-metre vessel Nord, reportedly worth more than $500m, sailed from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend, according to ship-tracking data. The yacht is among a small number of private vessels to have navigated the waterway in recent months, as most shipping avoids the area due to security concerns.
The passage comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, following a blockade imposed after directives from US President Donald Trump. Iran has since restricted movement through the strait, a critical artery through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically flow.
The standoff has disrupted global energy markets, pushing Brent crude prices up to $109 per barrel on Monday. Maritime traffic through the channel remains significantly below normal levels.
Although Mordashov is not formally listed as the yacht’s owner, records show Nord is registered to a company owned by his wife. The billionaire, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been sanctioned by Western governments since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, diplomatic ties between Moscow and Tehran appear to be strengthening. Putin hosted Iran’s foreign minister this week, with both sides praising their growing strategic partnership.
It remains unclear whether Mordashov was on board during the yacht’s transit.
Original article
Comments