Author: The Maritime Observer
-
Pardo Yachts Enters Middle East Superyacht Market with Ocean 360
Image: Marcello Veronesi, Sebastian Dumitrescu, Bogdan Borascu, Rok Babarovic. Italian boat builder Pardo Yachts, a division of Cantiere Del Pardo, has announced its partnership with Ocean 360, the exclusive dealer of the shipyard’s boats in the UAE. : “The Middle East holds strategic importance for Pardo Yachts’ global expansion. Partnering with Ocean 360, a trusted…
-
Trial to Determine Owner of Seized Superyacht AMADEA Begins in U.S Court
Case: US v. M/Y Amadea, 23-cv-09304, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Three years following the seizure of the 106-meter superyacht Amadea, in the wake of the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine, the opening arguments of the evidentiary hearing to determine the true beneficial owner of the vessel took place last week.…
-
Federal Judge Dismisses Proposed Class Action Lawsuit Against US Yacht Brokers
Case: YA MON EXPEDITIONS, LLC v. INTERNATIONAL YACHT BROKER’S Unlike the class action lawsuit that caused a paradigm shift for real estate brokers, the proposed fight against the International Yacht Brokers Association, Yacht World, Northrop & Johnson, and other brokers over the alleged anti-competitive commission fee practices will not be moving forward. On Tuesday, January…
-
Drettmann Yachts Announces Partnership with IR Yachts
German brokerage house Drettmann Yachts has partnered with yacht consultancy company IR Yachts in a move to expand its presence in The Middle East. Drettmann will be locally represented by Mahmoud Itani, the Dubai-based executive who has previously spent 10 years at UAE-based superyacht builder Gulf Craft as a marketing and communications manager, before providing…
-
Aqaba’s Ayla Marina Awarded 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation
As the Red Sea continues to establish its place as a superyacht destination, another marina in the region receives an accreditation. Last week, Aqaba’s Ayla Marina was awarded a 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) after the completion of the Gold Anchor Assessment. This marks the second award by TYHA to…
-
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…
-
Detained Vessel, Unsanctioned Owner: UK Supreme Court Hears Appeal on 60m Yacht PHI
Case: Dalston Projects Ltd and others v Secretary of State for Transport On Thursday, January 16th, a Supreme Court hearing took place to hear an appeal from Dalston Project Ltd and Others regarding the detention of the 60-meter superyacht Phi in London, England following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The case centers on the…
-
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…
