Complex Maritime Assets

Published in SuperYacht News. Public auction may satisfy transparency requirements, but will it work for a sanctioned yacht? Emmanuelle Votat explores the Royal Romance case

The denial of port access in Iceland to a yacht now sailing under the Panamanian flag highlights a major shift: legal status alone is no longer sufficient. Between post-sanctions flag changes and suspicions of circumvention, historical exposure has become a decisive factor - with direct consequences on operability and asset value.

The sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero, seized under sanctions against Russia, is now the subject of an international dispute. Between challenges to the seizure and questions over the conditions of the sale, this case highlights the legal fragilities that still surround the disposal of seized yachts - and their direct impact on the market.

The seizure of the superyacht M/Y Tango was meant to symbolise the strength of international sanctions. Four years on, it exposes the legal, financial and operational risks of poorly managed seized maritime assets.