The saga over the ownership of 115m/377ft superyacht LUNA continues, with Russian billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov winning back ownership of his $436 million megayacht in Dubai.
It is being reported that LUNA has been released by a court in Dubai, after she was impounded in the waters of the UAE as part of a freezing order more than a year ago.
On Wednesday, the Dubai court of appeal declared that the ruling made to impound the yacht was incorrect, and LUNA must be now be released and allowed to leave port. This means that ownership of LUNA now sits with Farkhad Akhmedov.
The freezing order was issued in Britain after Akhmedov did not pay a $594 million divorce settlement to his now-ex-wife Tatiana, claiming the pair were legally divorced in Russia many years earlier.
In August 2018, YachtCharterFleet reported that Tatiana retained ownership of the yacht after a court in Dubai upheld a ruling made by the London High Court.
However, Akhmdeov’s appeal process has ended in his favour, with the Azerbaijan-born oil and gas tycoon holding now holding ownership of the megayacht. A spokesperson for Akhmedov has said "Mr Akhmedov is delighted but not surprised by today's court decision in favour of the Akhmedov family trust.”
Mr Akhmedov is delighted but not surprised by today's court decision in favour of the Akhmedov family trust.
Luxury yacht LUNA came into the picture in 2014, when she was bought by the oligarch from friend and Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich. She holds the crown for the world’s largest expedition yacht, boasting nine decks after an additional one was added in a £50m refit in 2016.
At 115m, she is home to the largest swimming pool on any superyacht in the world, as well as two helipads, a spa, gym and a dance floor. A beach club, a jacuzzi and a tender garage to house a vast array of water toys are among her superb repertoire of amenities. She was launched in 2010 by Lloyd-Werft.
If you would like to charter an expedition yacht, please get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker.
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