NORD Yacht: Alexei Mordashov’s 142-Meter Lürssen Superyacht
When it comes to modern superyachts, yacht NORD is one of the most striking examples of size, design, luxury, and technical ambition. Built by Lürssen Yachts in Germany, the vessel was known as Project Opus during construction before being delivered in 2021.
NORD was designed by the renowned Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard, which created both her exterior and interior styling. With a length of 141.63 meters, or about 465 feet, she is one of the largest private yachts in the world.
The yacht is widely linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, the main shareholder of Severstal. NORD has attracted significant international attention because of her size, her owner’s sanctions status, and her unusual movements since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In April 2026, NORD again made headlines after crossing the Strait of Hormuz during a period of severe geopolitical tension and restricted maritime traffic in the region.
Key Takeaways:
- NORD is a 141.63-meter, or 465-foot, motor yacht built by Lürssen.
- She was known as Project Opus during construction and was delivered in 2021.
- The yacht was designed inside and out by Nuvolari Lenard.
- NORD is owned by Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov.
- She is valued at approximately $500 million.
- Her annual running costs are estimated at around $40 million to $50 million.
- NORD features two helicopter landing areas, an enclosed helicopter hangar, a swimming pool, cinema, gym, spa, elevators, tenders, and extensive guest areas.
- The yacht can accommodate up to 36 guests in around 20 cabins, with a crew of about 40 to 50 people.
- NORD has not been confiscated and has spent much of the sanctions period outside Western-controlled waters.
- In April 2026, NORD crossed the Strait of Hormuz after leaving Dubai and arriving in Oman.
An Overview of the NORD Yacht
The yacht NORD is a large custom motor yacht built by Lürssen, one of the world’s leading builders of megayachts. Her design is dramatic, aggressive, and instantly recognizable, with a dark hull, sharp bow, large aft decks, and a powerful expedition-style profile.
Although she is often described as an explorer-inspired yacht, NORD is also a full luxury vessel. She combines long-range capability with the amenities of a private floating resort. Her size allows for large entertainment areas, extensive crew facilities, helicopter operations, tenders, water toys, and private owner spaces.
NORD is one of the most photographed superyachts of recent years and has become a symbol of the modern 100-meter-plus yacht era.
Specifications
NORD measures 141.63 meters in length and has a beam of approximately 20 meters. She has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, giving her the strength and volume required for long-distance cruising.
The yacht is powered by MTU engines. Her reported top speed is around 20 knots, while her cruising speed is approximately 14 knots. At cruising speed, she is designed for long-range voyages across oceans and remote cruising areas.
Her gross tonnage is around 10,000 GT, giving her enormous interior volume. This makes NORD not only one of the longest private yachts in the world, but also one of the most spacious.
Interior
The yacht NORD’s interior was designed by Nuvolari Lenard. While the owner’s private areas are not publicly documented in detail, the yacht is known to offer a high level of luxury, comfort, and privacy.
NORD can reportedly accommodate up to 36 guests in around 20 cabins. She also carries a large professional crew, often reported at around 40 to 50 crew members, depending on operational needs.
Her standout features include an enclosed helicopter hangar, two helicopter landing areas, a large swimming pool, two elevators, a fully equipped gym, spa facilities, sauna, cinema, beach club, tender garage, and multiple outdoor lounging and dining areas.
The yacht’s layout was designed for privacy, long-range cruising, entertainment, and secure yacht operations.
Recent Strait of Hormuz Crossing
In April 2026, NORD crossed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. The crossing drew international attention because maritime traffic through the strait had been severely restricted during a period of heightened regional tension.
According to vessel-tracking reports, NORD left a Dubai marina on Friday, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, and arrived in or near Muscat, Oman, by Sunday. The yacht was reportedly sailing under the Russian flag and followed an approved international maritime route.
Reuters reported that a source close to Alexei Mordashov said the transit was allowed because neither Iran nor the United States objected. The yacht was treated as a non-threatening civilian vessel, with no reported links to Iran.
The passage was notable because very few non-commercial vessels had been using the route during the crisis. For NORD, the crossing marked a significant movement out of the Persian Gulf after maintenance in Dubai.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Crossing Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports normally passes through the strait.
Because of its strategic importance, any yacht movement through the area during periods of tension attracts attention. For a high-profile Russian-linked yacht such as NORD, the transit was especially newsworthy.
The crossing also shows the complexity of superyacht movements in the sanctions era. NORD has not been seized and has generally avoided jurisdictions where enforcement against Russian-linked assets is more likely.
Who is the Owner of the Yacht NORD?
The yacht’s widely reported owner is Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov. Mordashov is the main shareholder of Severstal, one of Russia’s largest steel and mining companies.
Mordashov has been listed on Western sanctions lists following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Because of this, ownership of NORD has received intense attention from yacht trackers, journalists, regulators, and sanctions researchers.
Some public reporting has said that NORD is not formally held directly in Mordashov’s name, but through structures linked to his family. This is common in the superyacht world, where vessels are often owned by corporate entities or trusts rather than individuals directly.
Mordashov has also been linked to the yacht Lady M, another Nuvolari Lenard-designed vessel.
Alexei Mordashov and Severstal
Alexei Mordashov is one of Russia’s richest businessmen. His fortune comes mainly from Severstal, a major steel and mining company with operations in Russia and international markets.
Severstal produces steel, iron ore, coal, and related industrial products. Mordashov built his fortune during Russia’s post-Soviet privatization era and became one of the country’s most prominent industrial billionaires.
Before sanctions, he was a regular presence on global billionaire rankings and had interests in steel, mining, travel, media, banking, and other sectors. After 2022, his international assets and movements became subject to much greater scrutiny.
How Much is the NORD Yacht?
The estimated value of NORD is around $500 million. This valuation reflects her size, custom design, Lürssen build quality, advanced technology, interior volume, helicopter facilities, and luxury amenities.
Her annual running costs are estimated at around $40 million to $50 million. These costs include crew salaries, maintenance, fuel, insurance, security, management, technical support, berthing, inspections, helicopter operations, and general operations.
For a yacht of this scale, the annual cost of ownership can easily reach 10% of the yacht’s value.
Has the Superyacht NORD Been Confiscated?
No. NORD has not been confiscated.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the introduction of sanctions against Russian billionaires, several Russian-linked superyachts were detained, frozen, or seized in Europe and other Western jurisdictions. NORD, however, moved away from many of those areas and spent time in regions such as Asia, Russia, the Middle East, and the Gulf.
Because of this, the yacht has remained operational and unseized. Her movements have been closely watched by journalists and yacht-tracking platforms.
Current Location and Movements
NORD’s location changes over time and should always be checked through live yacht-tracking sources. In April 2026, she was reported to have left Dubai, crossed the Strait of Hormuz, and reached Oman.
You can track her current location here: NORD current location.
Because AIS tracking can be delayed, incomplete, or switched off, location data for high-profile yachts should be treated as a useful guide rather than an absolute real-time record.
Lürssen Yachts
Lürssen Yachts is a luxury yacht builder based in Bremen, Germany. The company was founded in 1875 and is known for building large custom motor yachts, often between 50 meters and more than 150 meters in length.
Lürssen is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important superyacht builders. Its yachts are known for high-quality engineering, complex custom design, advanced technology, and large-scale project management.
Notable Lürssen projects include Azzam, Dilbar, NORD, Scheherazade, AHPO, and many other landmark yachts.
NORD is one of Lürssen’s most recognizable modern yachts because of her scale, styling, and geopolitical visibility.
Nuvolari Lenard is an Italian yacht design and architecture studio founded by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard. The studio is known for designing luxury yachts, superyachts, private jets, villas, and high-end interiors.
Nuvolari Lenard has worked with many leading shipyards, including Lürssen, Oceanco, Palmer Johnson, CRN, and others. The studio’s designs often combine strong exterior lines with elegant, highly customized interiors.
Notable projects include the Lürssen yachts AHPO and NORD, as well as the Oceanco yacht Bravo Eugenia.
NORD is one of Nuvolari Lenard’s largest and most ambitious projects.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who is the owner of the yacht NORD?
The yacht NORD is widely reported to be linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov. He is the main shareholder of Severstal and has been listed on Western sanctions lists. Some reports state that the yacht is formally held through structures linked to his family rather than directly in his own name.
Has the superyacht NORD been confiscated?
No. NORD has not been confiscated. She has largely remained outside jurisdictions where Russian-linked yachts have been more likely to face seizure or freezing orders.
Did NORD cross the Strait of Hormuz?
Yes. In April 2026, NORD crossed the Strait of Hormuz after leaving Dubai. Reports said she passed through the strait on Saturday and arrived near Muscat, Oman, by Sunday. The crossing attracted attention because maritime traffic in the area was heavily restricted due to regional tensions.
What is the number of bedrooms on the NORD yacht?
NORD reportedly has around 20 guest cabins, with accommodation for up to 36 guests. She also has extensive crew accommodation for around 40 to 50 crew members.
How fast is NORD?
NORD has a reported top speed of around 20 knots and a cruising speed of approximately 14 knots.
How much is NORD worth?
NORD is estimated to be worth around $500 million. Her annual running costs are estimated at around $40 million to $50 million.
Is NORD available for charter?
No. NORD is not available for yacht charter and is not listed for sale.
What is the current location of the yacht NORD?
NORD’s location changes frequently. After her April 2026 Strait of Hormuz crossing, she was reported near Oman. You can track her latest position here: NORD current location.
Conclusion
The yacht NORD is one of the most impressive private yachts ever built. With her 142-meter length, Lürssen engineering, Nuvolari Lenard design, helicopter facilities, pool, cinema, gym, spa, and vast interior volume, she represents the top tier of modern superyacht construction.
Her link to Alexei Mordashov and her movements since 2022 have also made her one of the most closely watched yachts in the world. The recent Strait of Hormuz crossing added another chapter to her story, showing how even private yachts can become part of wider geopolitical and maritime narratives.
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Yacht Charter
The boat is not available for yacht charter. The yacht is not listed for sale.
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