Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Russian Oligarchs & Their Superyacht Seizures

13th March 2022
An artist's impression of the newest superyacht in the world - 80 metres - under construction in Italy
An artist's impression of the newest superyacht in the world - 80 metres - under construction in Italy

There are over 5,000 superyachts in the world, of which Russian oligarchs own a relatively small number – over 50 according to estimates.

These are subject to sanctions by the EU and the USA and a number have been seized this week.

Crew recruitment agencies have suspended contacts with Russian superyacht owners, one of whom is Vladimir Putin, whose vessel is beyond the reach of sanctions – in Russia itself.

Superyacht Amore Vero - seized in FranceSuperyacht Amore Vero - seized in France

World’s largest superyacht

The world’s largest superyacht, by volume, the Dilbar, owned by Russian Oligarch Alisher Usmanov’s superyacht is stuck in Hamburg in Germany where it has been undergoing a refit.

The State of Yachting - Superyachts ReportThe State of Yachting - Superyachts Report

The U.S. Treasury has valued it at between $600 and $700 million. The crew of 80 left after EU and US sanctions stopped wages being paid. Usmanov, (68),  is the sixth-richest Russian with a fortune of $17.8 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Superyacht Lady M seized in ItalySuperyacht Lady M seized in Italy

Tom MacSweeney

About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

Email The Author

Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

We've got a favour to ask

More people are reading Afloat.ie than ever thanks to the power of the internet but we're in stormy seas because advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news sites, we haven’t put up a paywall because we want to keep our marine journalism open.

Afloat.ie is Ireland's only full–time marine journalism team and it takes time, money and hard work to produce our content.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

If everyone chipped in, we can enhance our coverage and our future would be more secure. You can help us through a small donation. Thank you.

Direct Donation to Afloat button