A superyacht owned by Russian tycoon Alexey Mordashov has gained prominence after it sailed through a strategically important maritime passage. Records show that the superyacht, dubbed Nord, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend despite the strict security measures related to the mounting tension between the US and Iran.
The 142-metre-long yacht sailed from Dubai on Friday afternoon to the Strait the following day before docking in Muscat on Sunday, records from the ship-tracking service MarineTraffic reveal. What makes this voyage interesting is the fact that, since February, very few ships have travelled this course.
Iran has put up barriers to navigation in the strait. This strait links the Persian Gulf to international trade routes and accounts for one-fifth of all crude oil shipments worldwide.
Steel Tycoon’s Superyacht Caught in the Crossfire of U.S.-Iran Embargo
The current embargo is part of the larger dispute between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has established an embargo on Iranian ports, and Iran, in turn, has increased its monitoring of shipping in the region. Prior to the conflict, which escalated on February 28, about 125 to 140 ships traversed the strait daily. At the moment, there are very few ships, almost exclusively cargo ones, that go through it.
At that time, nothing was said concerning the sailing of the yacht in an area where an embargo was imposed.
In return, Mordashov’s representatives refused to make any statements. It is known that the businessman, who got rich producing steel, is familiar with Vladimir Putin personally. He was sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU after his role in the war in Ukraine was revealed.
As for the owners of the yacht, their identity is ambiguous. Though Mordashov himself does not own this yacht formally, according to the records on the ship’s registration and businesses in Russia, the company owning the yacht is owned by his wife. This company’s headquarters are located in the city of Cherepovets, the same place where Mordashov’s steel company, Severstal, has its offices.
In its own right, the yacht is one of the biggest yachts in the world. It has been called by industry sources a luxurious floating resort that boasts 20 guest cabins, a swimming pool, a helicopter pad, and even a submarine.
The Nord Voyage and the New Russia-Iran Alliance
The timing of the trip adds to the intrigue. Russia and Iran have become closer in recent years. In particular, a treaty signed in 2025 outlined cooperation in matters of intelligence and security. The increasing closeness of these nations has not gone unnoticed by Western officials, especially since both nations are currently under sanctions.
There has been some diplomatic activity. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was in Russia on Monday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows trips to Pakistan and Oman where he met with peace envoys.
These issues surrounding Nord raise concerns over enforcement and access. In the context where most vessels have restrictions placed upon them, it becomes pertinent to wonder how this particular vessel managed to bypass any obstacles that were posed.
There is still potential for serious problems within the Strait of Hormuz. The smallest events have far-reaching consequences in terms of energy prices, costs of navigation, and security.
For now, it appears that Nord completed its voyage successfully, having reached its destination without difficulty. Still, its trip through this highly restricted waterway raises certain eyebrows. This provides an interesting look into how geopolitical dynamics are played out in the oceanic theater.
With tensions still high, one should expect that any voyages through the Strait of Hormuz will be under close scrutiny.
