Author: The Maritime Observer
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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…
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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…
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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) –…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…