Author: The Maritime Observer

Ocean Independence Celebrates The Opening of New Dubai Branch

Brokerage house Ocean Independence has touched down in The Middle East. The firm, which specializes in yacht sales, charter, new build, and management, has announced the opening of its 16th branch at Dubai Harbour Marina, adding to its worldwide roster of offices – with other locations including Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Athens, and Mumbai. Overseeing operations…
Interview: IYC CEO Raphael Sauleau on What’s to Come for the Superyacht Industry in 2025 & Beyond

Earlier this month, the CEO of yachting firm IYC sat down with The Maritime Observer in a conversation forecasting what awaits the superyacht market in 2025 and beyond. Over the course of this conversation, Sauleau provided insight on a conveyor belt of trends, opportunities, and challenges concerning the industry, from the U.S. presidential elections to…
The Red Sea Becomes an IMO Special Area, But What About Regulations for Emissions?

On January 1st, 2025, The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden were officially recognized as “Special Areas” by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Decided during the 80th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in July 2023 – under IMO Resolutions MEPC.381(80) and MEPC.382(80) –…
Supreme Court Hearing Date Set for Seized Superyacht PHI

Phi, the 60-meter superyacht moored at the UK’s Canary Wharf Harbour since March 2022, has its last chance to appeal its seizure with a Supreme Court hearing set for January 16th, 2025. The motor yacht is built by Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman for Russian businessman Sergio Numyenko. She was delivered in 2021, after which made…
Saudi Red Sea Authority Issues New Licenses to NEOM’s Sindalah Marina & Other Yacht Companies

To continue positioning Saudi Arabia as a global superyacht destination, The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted 12 new licenses for the purposes of marina construction, leisure marine recreation, and cruise ship operations. Of the permits handed – in out in the past two months – NEOM’s Sindalah Island Marina received a construction license…
Abu Dhabi Introduces 10-Year Golden Visas for Superyacht Owners

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has introduced “Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi”, a new initiative aimed at attracting superyacht owners to invest in Abu Dhabi. Under this Golden Visa, vessel owners are offered the opportunity to obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa with benefits including a long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi’s…
Medasia Marine Deliver First X-Shore Boat in the UAE

Boutique superyacht company Medasia Marine has announced the delivery and registration of the Gulf’s first fully electric X Short 1 boat to a UAE client. The X Shore 1, built by Swedish boat builder X Shore, is powered by a 125KW electric motor and uses sustainable materials for its construction. The vessel offers silent and…
How the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix played an important role in establishing The Middle East’s Superyacht Prospects

Alongside the convenience of all year-round pleasant weather, the increase of vessels visiting The Middle East can be attributed to a number of factors – the investment in infrastructure, improved number of facilities, domestic manufacturing, and the modernization of regulations. While the aforementioned are essential components to any superyacht destination, what may have truly contributed…
SRSA Issues First-Ever Yacht Chartering Licenses in Saudi Arabia

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, three yacht chartering companies have received licenses from The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA). Following a verification process ensuring compliance with all SRSA regulations and requirements, Hill Robinson Saudi Limited, Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd, and JLS Yachts Limited have been granted chartering licenses that aim…
Yacht Builder Oceanco Settles Case for the use of Myanmar Blood Teak; Agrees to €150,000 Fine

Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco has been ordered to pay a €150,000 fine after reaching a settlement agreement with The Dutch Public Prosecution Service for breaching European timber laws. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) forbids the importation and use of illegally harvested timber into the EU, and regulates the vetting process of buyers, requiring them to…