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Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
The Nord, a 142m luxury yacht linked to Russian ally Alexey Mordashov, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz from Dubai to Muscat during the weekend despite a blockade. The voyage occurs amid Iran-Russia diplomacy and Western sanctions, contributing to rising oil prices and ongoing disruption of Gulf shipping.
Why It Matters
The passage highlights the fragility of critical shipping routes amid geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Iran, and Western sanctions, with potential implications for global energy flows.
Timeline
13 Events
On-board presence uncertain
April 28, 2026
It is not clear whether Mordashov was on board Nord during the passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nord features and value
April 28, 2026
The Nord yacht reportedly has a swimming pool, submarine and helipad; it is estimated to be worth over $500 million. Mordashov is not listed as the formal owner, and Forbes cites Mordashov's net worth at about $37 billion.
Hong Kong and the Maldives did not seize the yacht
April 28, 2026
Hong Kong and the Maldives have previously not seized the yacht despite calls from western nations to freeze its assets.
Gulf shipping traffic at fraction of pre-war levels
April 28, 2026
Maritime traffic through the Gulf channel is currently at a fraction of pre-war levels.
Iran continues restricting shipping through Hormuz
April 27, 2026
Iran continued restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as its standoff with the United States persisted.
Brent crude rises to $109 per barrel
April 27, 2026
The global oil price Brent crude rose to about $109 per barrel on Monday.
Putin hosts Iranian delegation in St. Petersburg
April 27, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted an Iranian delegation in St. Petersburg; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed their 'strategic relationship'.
Nord arrives at Al Mouj marina, Muscat
April 26, 2026
Nord arrived at Al Mouj marina in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday morning.
Nord transits Strait of Hormuz
April 25, 2026
Nord transited the Strait of Hormuz en route from Dubai to Muscat, despite the blockade of the strait.
Nord leaves Dubai for Muscat
April 24, 2026
Nord left Dubai on Friday night en route to Muscat, Oman.
Iran-Russia high-level talks this week
April 2026
Iran has engaged with Russia in high-level talks this week as its standoff with the US over the strait's re-opening continues.
Nord registered to Mordashov's wife's firm
2022
Nord's records indicate it was registered to a firm owned by Mordashov's wife in 2022.
Mordashov sanctions since 2022
2022
Alexey Mordashov has been targeted by Western sanctions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.