Do you have a superyacht to save? Moor it in Dubai! Vladimir Potanin, the newly sanctioned oligarch, has just taken his $300 million luxury yacht Nirvana on a regularly traveled (read: sailed) path – Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Both destinations have earned a reputation as notorious havens for Russian oligarchs‘ pleasure boats. Roman Abramovich did it with his $1.3 billion Eclipse and Solaris megayachts. Evraz billaionre Alexander Abramov (business partner of Roman Abramovich) followed suit and had his $100 million luxury ship Titan moved to Turkish waters. Even a 240ft Clio belonging to sanctioned tycoon Oleg Deripaska, hit Turkish territory far from the grip of the authorities. Joining the ranks of these splendid and safe vessels is Vladimir Potanin’s superyacht Nirvana using the same old tried and true formula. The floating goliath arrived in Dubai earlier this week.


As reported by Whio, the gigantic Oceanco boat docked under the Cayman Islands flag at Dubai’s Port Rashid and well on time. On the one hand, Putin’s ice hockey buddy was sanctioned. On the other, he managed to get his beautiful $300 million ship to safety. The Nickel King, worth $30 billion and Russia‘s second-richest person, is a close ally of Putin and has become the latest UK-sanctioned Russian oligarch. “Today’s sanctions show that nothing and no one is on the table, including Putin’s inner circle,” a spokesperson said in the statement, Mining said.

It is impressive how Potanin, one of the richest Russian oligarchs and the 58th richest person in the world, escaped sanctions. Perhaps because the United States and its allies understand that Potanin, as its company, accounts for around 40% of the world’s production of palladium and 10% of refined nickel – very crucial metals widely used in all kinds of products. manufacturers and technologies. However, the British care no less that they have sanctioned a prominent name from the “Putin List”.

Nothing ordinary about superyacht Nirvana:
This Oceanco-built boat was delivered to the Nickel King ten years ago and was the most enormous pleasure boat created by Oceanco at the time. The Nirvana looks distinct with a sleek navy blue hull, white superstructure and slightly flared bow.

The six floors include large sunbathing areas and a 7.5 meter counter-current swimming pool. The floor can be raised to deck level, creating ample space for entertaining. The main lounge also turns into a nightclub.

Other fabulous amenities include a 3D cinema, spa and casino-style games room. As well as accommodating 12 guests, Nirvana also displays a rare wealth in the form of two terrariums with exotic reptiles.

[All images by Northrop and Johnson]