Since its delivery, Koru, the world’s largest sailing yacht, commissioned in 2018, has been spotted in various picturesque locations, including Mallorca and Sardinia. This time, however, it is unknowingly treading in hot water, as shipbuilder Oceanco used conflict wood on centibillionaire Jeff Bezos’ superyacht. The world’s largest sailing yacht, spanning 416 feet in length, took five years to build and was delivered in April 2023 to her owner, the world’s third-richest man.
The controversy centers on the teak used for Koru’s decks, sourced from Myanmar, a country under EU timber sanctions due to conflict-driven deforestation. According to a report by NRC, the Dutch shipbuilder procured the teak through Alfred Neumann GmbH, a German timber merchant, and additional teak furniture via a Turkish supplier as late as 2022, without adequately verifying its origins. Interestingly, the construction of Koru began before 2019, a time when the industry was already under increasing scrutiny for ethical sourcing of materials.
While Jeff Bezos, the yacht’s owner, and the world’s third-richest man, bears no responsibility for this oversight, the Dutch government has acted swiftly. The Public Prosecution Service has fined Oceanco $158,000 for violating EU import laws. Acknowledging its misstep, the shipbuilder has assured that Koru is “the last ship on which the yacht builder has used this wood.”
This incident raises an ethical conundrum for Bezos, a prominent environmental philanthropist. As the founder of the Bezos Earth Fund, he’s made headlines for extraordinary contributions, including $60 million to restore degraded lands and even committing an astronomical $2 billion to conserve and restore nature and fight climate change. Yet, the teak controversy on Koru presents a glaring contradiction to his advocacy for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
While the shipyard, not Bezos, is under any obligation to act. It raises the question, it begs the question: would he consider replacing the tainted teak? Such a decision wouldn’t come easy; refitting a vessel of this scale would not only be a logistical nightmare but also a significant financial undertaking. For context, Koru’s decks span the equivalent of 11 basketball courts laid end to end as the goliath measures a whopping 416 feet.
In addition to the teak decks and the furniture, the megayacht boasts a huge wooden figurehead in the likeness of Sanchez. Replacing the teak could dock the yacht for months, potentially disrupting Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s Mediterranean summer plans. The Koru is a venue of merriment with several A-listers like Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner partying with the power couple at breathtaking locales. It’s a scenario where the inconvenience may outweigh the urgency of addressing the issue.
The image of a climate-conscious tech titan sailing aboard a vessel with a questionable environmental footprint casts a shadow over Bezos’s otherwise commendable efforts. It draws parallels to Leonardo DiCaprio, a vocal climate advocate who often comes under fire for his frequent luxury yacht sojourns. So, will Bezos, worth $204 billion and known for tackling global challenges, take this controversy head-on or sail away from it altogether?
Koru, a three-masted sailing beauty like no other-
There’s something timeless, elegant, and unmatched about Jeff Bezos’ stunning schooner, which is nearly half as long as the iconic Parisian landmark is tall. Named after a Māori term symbolizing new beginnings and growth, this luxury vessel is a sanctuary of contemporary style. Its interiors, crafted by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi, feature natural wood tones complemented by warm neutrals and beautifully patterned textiles.
Koru’s towering masts reach heights of 230 feet, and inside, she accommodates up to 18 guests across nine luxurious cabins, all attended by a crew of 36. Among the yacht’s opulent amenities are a large swimming pool, three Jacuzzis, and multiple outdoor areas designed for relaxation and entertainment.
Adding to the spectacle is her shadow vessel, the $75 million Abeona, equipped with every essential toy, tender, and, of course, a helicopter, ready for Lauren to pilot in and out with ease.
Note – An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Jeff Bezos as Amazon’s current CEO.
