Sanctioned Russian billionaire’s “yacht” crosses the Strait of Hormuz as Iran allows passage in accordance with the agreement

According to reports from Reuters on April 27 and MarineTraffic tracking data, the superyacht “Nord” associated with sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov completed its voyage from Dubai to Muscat (Oman) between April 24 and April 26, during which it publicly broadcast its location throughout via the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

“Nord” Voyage Route Details

According to a Reuters report, the Nord yacht left a dock in Dubai at around 14:00 on April 24 (Greenwich Mean Time), crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the early morning of April 25, and arrived in Muscat in the early morning of April 27 (Sunday). MarineTraffic data tracked its route in real time throughout. According to voyage records, the Nord traveled along the security corridor defined by Iran, heading toward Oman from south of Larak Island.

The Ownership Structure of Mordashov and the “Nord”

According to publicly available sanction records and shipping documents, Mordashov has been sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom since 2022. The reasons for the sanctions include his close ties to Vladimir Putin, and his holding of approximately 77% of shares in Severstal, Russia’s largest steel manufacturer, as well as interests involving Russian banks and media outlets closely linked to the state.

According to shipping records, the Nord is registered under a Russian company controlled by Mordashov’s wife, Marina Mordashova. Mordashov’s name does not appear on the public ship registry, and the Nord has never been seized by Western authorities.

Background on the Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Iran-Russia Transit Arrangements

According to publicly available data, since the United States implemented a maritime blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, the number of ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz per day has fallen sharply from about 140 to single digits, with hundreds of oil tankers waiting for passage at both ends of the strait.

According to a report by The Independent, under a cooperation agreement signed in 2025 with Russia, Iran grants priority passage to ships related to Russia; the Nord passed through the security corridor designated by Iran, avoiding the main areas of U.S. enforcement focus on traffic to Iranian ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific timing and route of the Nord yacht’s transit through the Strait of Hormuz?

According to Reuters reports and MarineTraffic data, the Nord left Dubai at around 14:00 on April 24 (GMT), crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the early morning of April 25, and arrived in Muscat (Oman) in the early morning of April 27; throughout the voyage, it publicly broadcast its location via AIS.

What is the legal registration status of the Nord and how do Western sanctions apply?

According to shipping records and publicly available sanction documents, the Nord is registered under a Russian company controlled by Mordashov’s wife, Marina Mordashova; Mordashov himself does not appear in publicly available ship registry information; and the Nord has never been seized by Western authorities.

Why does Iran allow the Nord to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

According to The Independent report, under a cooperation agreement signed in 2025 with Russia, Iran grants priority passage rights to ships related to Russia; the Nord passed through the security corridor designated by Iran from south of Larak Island, avoiding the U.S. enforcement focus areas.