Superyacht linked to russian businessman Mordashov sails through Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian restrictions

The superyacht Nord, linked to russian businessman Alexei Mordashov, crossed the Strait of Hormuz and arrived in Oman while Iran’s restrictions on vessel passage were in effect. The yacht is valued at approximately USD 500 million and was sailing from Dubai to the port of Muscat.

It was reported by Reuters and the BBC, citing data from the vessel tracking service MarineTraffic.

The passage took place amid restrictions that Iran imposed in February on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass through this route, and only a few merchant ships received transit permits during this period.

According to corporate registries and shipping analytics, the yacht is formally registered to a Russian company owned by the wife of Alexei Mordashov, which was incorporated in 2022 in Cherepovets. The businessman’s metallurgical asset, “Severstal,” is also located there.

Mordashov himself, whom Forbes calls russia’s richest man and who is subject to US and EU sanctions due to his ties to vladimir putin, is not listed as the vessel’s official owner. In 2025, shipping data linked the yacht to the same entity.

Against the backdrop of these events, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in moscow on April 27 and held a meeting with putin.

Why the Strait of Hormuz is important and what is happening there?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean. About one-fifth of the world’s oil exports pass through it daily, making this route critical for global energy supplies.

Any restrictions or threats in this area immediately affect global markets. Following the escalation of the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US, prices for oil, gas, and precious metals have surged due to supply risks.

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow maritime corridor between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. About 20% of global oil exports pass through this route, amounting to tens of millions of barrels daily.

In April, US military forces began operations in the strait. On April 11, the US destroyers Frank E. Peterson and Michael Murphy entered the area to conduct mine-clearing operations and ensure the safety of shipping. The next day, Donald Trump announced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on ship passage until agreements were reached with Iran. On April 13, the US announced the start of a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

On April 20–23, the US military intercepted several vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, including tankers flying the Iranian flag.