The world traditionally refers to ships as female, but I, for one, cannot help but think of the Nord superyacht as a man, specifically, the most debonair of them all, James Bond. The 464-foot Lürssen mammoth, owned by Russian tycoon Alexei Mordashov, stands as a status symbol for a man who rose from humble beginnings to become Russia’s richest.
While a luxury car might suffice for some, for Mordashov, an imposing asset like the Nord was required to show the world that this son of steel mill workers grew up to become the majority shareholder of Severstal and is a magnate worth $26.3 billion, according to Forbes.
The 58-year-old perhaps tried to make a statement with his first yacht, Lady M, the 213-foot Palmer Johnson vessel named after his second wife, Marina Mordashov, and valued at $55 million, but it failed to cast the same impression as the $500 million Nord.
Whether you take a closer look or just a rapid glance, the Nuvolari Lenard-designed pleasure craft is indeed a sight to behold. What gives the ship an edge over its other superlative sea-faring counterparts is, firstly, its mega-build, followed by its classy champagne-colored hull, and finally, the name Nord emblazoned in a place of pride, visible in broad daylight and even in the pitch-black darkness of the oceans, thanks to turquoise LED-lit nameplates and accents of the superstructure.
The cascading decks, six, to be exact, bring to life its build name, “Project Opus,” for it truly is a maritime magnum opus. Not one, but two helipads are showcased in a series of images, an expected feature on a ship compared to 007 himself, as Bond’s charm lies in his high-tech gadgets. Nord is no different.
From a large swimming pool on the main deck to a jacuzzi, sun terrace, spa, and diving center, this yacht boasts quite the list of amenities. However, the real deal lies in the Nord’s massive tender garage, which houses a fleet of 14 custom tenders, including two modified Windy SR52 Blackbirds, a Triton personal submarine, and an ROV (an underwater robot) for underwater exploration. There’s everything from jet skis to a quad bike, and even a hovercraft.
Much like Bond’s immaculate tuxedo, a perfect blend of style and performance, Nord offers luxuries in its main saloon, which features unparalleled 360-degree views and gorgeous décor elements like a grand piano. The grand dining area seats 14, and the half-a-billion-dollar vessel can accommodate 36 guests in 18 staterooms, serviced by a crew of 42. The goliath, with a volume of 10,154 GT, is powered by four MTU engines and boasts a top speed of 20 knots.
Just as the fictional British secret agent was tasked with thwarting various international threats, Nord was involved in a real-life international fiasco. The megayacht of the mining tycoon sparked a diplomatic row between Hong Kong and Washington.
The United States sanctioned the luxury vessel, but the Hong Kong government did not take any action while it was anchored in Victoria Harbour. The yacht then set sail for Cape Town, South Africa, and is currently anchored in Vladivostok, Russia, according to Marine Traffic.
