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.

Since December 2025, the European Union has confirmed the continuation of the freeze on Russian assets, without adopting a clear doctrine regarding the management of immobilised high-value assets. Among these, private yachts now represent a blind spot within the sanctions regime. This article provides a rigorous assessment of the EU’s position in early 2026, examines the specific challenges raised by frozen yachts, and outlines a reasonable path forward.

The management of frozen yachts under sanctions raises a central question: should criminal proceedings be prioritised, or should administrative pathways allow controlled management and an orderly exit? Through the Royal Romance case, this analysis explores the legal and operational risks of premature criminalisation.

Published in Superyacht News. The sale of Amadea marks a turning point for Europe. It demonstrates that yachts subject to international sanctions can be sold efficiently through rigorous, swift and transparent procedures. Beyond a single emblematic case, this precedent reveals the potential for a European market for frozen yachts and highlights the urgency of establishing a coherent legal and operational framework to prevent asset value erosion and restore the effectiveness o