Back in March, the European Union seized the world’s largest superyacht by volume when authorities in Germany arrested the 512 foot Dilbar. The yacht is owned by sanctioned Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, and was having work done at a shipyard in Hamburg when the EU swooped in. The boat was first impounded, but now it’s fully seized.
Superyacht Dilbar
“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.” – Alisher Usmanov
With his prized superyacht no longer available, Usmanov (known as “Putin’s favorite oligarch”) will now have to make do with a backup superyacht named Alaiya that’s only 365 feet long. Why wasn’t Alaiya seized? After the seizure of Dilbar, Usmanov ordered Alaiyz to hightail it out to the Maldives, which doesn’t have an extradition treaty with the US or the EU. So Alaiya is safe for now.
Superyacht Alaiya hightailing it to the Maldives
Alaiya, like Dilbar, was built by Lürssen, a prominent European shipyard that specializes in superyachts. Lürssen has built yachts for many Russian oligarchs who made their fortunes in the financial free-for-all that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Dilbar is a prime example of the resulting extravagance. She reportedly cost $800 million to make. But you can’t have just one! That’s why Usmanov had Lürssen built the $300 million Alaiya.
With Dilbar seized, Usmanov will be roughing it in Alaiya from now on (his appeal to have his sanctions lifted has just been rejected by the EU court). Alaiya can sleep 18 guests across her staterooms, and is looked after by a crew of 40. She has a top speed of 18 knots, and a cruising speed of 10 knots. Check her out.
