Superyacht Travels Along Norwegian Coast Toward Russian Port

An 82-meter superyacht is traveling along the Norwegian coast toward the Russian port of Murmansk under escort by two Russian naval vessels. Maritime tracking data show the vessel passed through the Danish strait before its automatic identification system stopped broadcasting upon entering the North Sea last Monday.

The ship is accompanied by an armed Russian destroyer and a Russian salvage and patrol vessel.

A senior NATO source confirmed that the vessel is being monitored and was followed by German and Danish navy patrol ships while in the Baltic Sea. The yacht has been observed with anti-drone nets covering its decks. The vessel features saltwater and freshwater pools, a helipad, a gym, and secure communications systems.

The yacht was relocated from a shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, to the Russian port of Kaliningrad days before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Four months after the invasion, the United States designated the yacht as blocked property, after which the vessel was renamed.

The ship had not been publicly tracked until it reappeared last week. Its movement follows Ukrainian drone strikes on a Russian naval base near St. Petersburg. John Foreman, Britain’s defence attaché to Moscow until 2022, stated the relocation reflects a decision not to take chances with the vessel.

Emma Salisbury, a naval expert, said the escort indicates a high level of protection for the yacht.