Germany has just dealt a massive blow to President Vladimir Putin’s loyal circle by seizing a Russian oligarch’s $600 million yacht.
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, a close ally of Putin, was sanctioned by the European Union.
And, according to a report by Forbes, one of Usmanov’s prized possessions, the 512-foot yacht Dilbar, has been seized by German authorities in Hamburg.
“The ship has been in the Hamburg shipyards of German shipbuilding firm Blohm+Voss since late October for a refitting job,” according to Forbes.
“Sources who spoke to Forbes said that the German government froze the asset and that, likely as a result, Blohm+Voss employees who had been working on the yacht didn’t show up to work on Wednesday.
“Representatives for Blohm+Voss and Usmanov didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
“Usmanov purchased Dilbar in 2016 for a reported cost of $600 million from German shipbuilder Lürssen, which custom-built it for him over 52 months.
“The firm calls it ‘one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology.’
“At 15,917 tons, it’s the world’s largest motor yacht by gross tonnage, and is typically manned by a crew of 96 people,” Forbes reported.
After being hit with sanctions he said: “On 28 February 2022 I became the target of restrictive measures imposed by the European Union.
“I believe that such a decision is unfair, and the reason is employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor, dignity, and business reputation.
“I would use all legal means to protect my owner and reputation.”
The yacht specifics are:
- Length: 156 m (511 ft)
- Guests: 36 in 18 cabins
- Crew: 84 in 40 cabins
- Builder: Lurssen
- Designer: Espen Oeino
- Interior Designer: Andrew Winch Design
- Year:2016
- Speed: 22.5 knots
- Engines: Wärtsila diesel electric
- Volume: 15,917 ton
- IMO: 9661792
- Price: US$ 800 million
- Annual Running Cost: US$ 50 – 80 million
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov’s 512-foot yacht has been seized by German authorities in the northern city of Hamburg. https://t.co/yQh7rE4DMy pic.twitter.com/U1dVRVBIBc
— Forbes (@Forbes) March 2, 2022
$600 million, crew of 96, largest swimming pool on a yacht, 2 helicopter pads, sauna, beauty salon, gym. 1,000+ sofa cushions, hosts 24 people in 12 suites. Germans Seize Russian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov’s Mega-Yacht via @forbes https://t.co/9oID3ovCND
— JoAnn Ross (@JoAnnRoss) March 2, 2022
