Reviews & Ratings for the Nord

**Title: Sanctioned Russian Oligarch's Yacht Navigates Through the Strait of Hormuz** On the night of April 24-25, 2026, the luxury yacht 'Nord' made its way through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, departing from Dubai and setting sail for Muscat. This vessel is reportedly owned by Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov, the head of the steel and mining conglomerate Severstal, and has been on the U.S. sanctions list since 2022. The yacht's journey occurred amidst ongoing Western sanctions targeting the assets of Russian oligarchs, which are proving to be increasingly challenging to enforce effectively. Notably, the 'Nord' had already exited Western waters prior to the tightening of these sanctions and has since been operating within a maritime area—comprising the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean—where the implementation of U.S. and EU restrictions remains largely theoretical. Crucially, the United Arab Emirates, from where the yacht departed, has not aligned with the sanctions and continues to welcome vessels like the 'Nord'. The route from Dubai to Muscat via the Strait of Hormuz represents one of the most direct and feasible sailing paths for large vessels in the Gulf region. Given the yacht's considerable size, many ports are ill-equipped to accommodate it. Muscat stands out as an ideal destination, offering the necessary facilities for such vessels while operating under a jurisdiction that has not imposed Western sanctions. This transit underscores the complexities of enforcing international sanctions in regions like the Gulf, highlighting gaps that allow high-profile maritime assets to navigate freely despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

South Africa’s government said it has no reason to apply sanctions brought against Russian tycoon Alexey Mordashov and that his $500 million megayacht 'Nord' is free to dock at its ports. Mordashov is the biggest shareholder in steelmaker Severstal PJSC and was sanctioned by the European Union, the UK and US after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The mogul’s yacht passed north of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on Oct 25 and is expected to arrive in Cape Town on Nov 9.

The U.S. warned Hong Kong that assisting sanctioned individuals could threaten its status as a financial hub, after the 'Nord', tied to the sanctioned tycoon Alexey Mordashov, arrived in Hong Kong on OCt 11, after making a week-long voyage from the city of Vladivostok. Mordashov, believed to be an ally of dictator Vladimir Putin, was sanctioned by the European Union, the U.K. and the U.S. following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine on Feb 24.