Since March 2022, the South Aegean coast of Turkey has played host to an extravagant and controversial guest. The Eclipse, a 164-meter ultra-luxury yacht owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, has been docked in Marmaris, drawing both fascination and scrutiny. Built in 2009 for a staggering €350 million, the yacht—once the world’s largest—has turned heads not only for its grandeur but also for the extraordinary costs and circumstances surrounding its extended stay.
A floating palace with a daily burn
One of the most remarkable details about Eclipse is its round-the-clock operation. Despite being anchored at Marmaris Marina, the yacht relies on its own generators to meet its power needs. The reason? To keep the air conditioning running 24/7 and protect the opulent interiors from damage caused by sea mist.
This relentless operation comes at a hefty environmental and financial price: the yacht consumes an astonishing one ton of fuel per day. At a time when global efforts are focused on reducing carbon emissions, such consumption raises significant questions about sustainability and priorities. According to reports, the generator consumes 1 ton of fuel per day.
The environmental cost is compounded by the financial burden. According to the Turkish newspaper Sabah, the mooring fees for Eclipse are estimated at 100,000 TL (around $3,000) per day, contributing to Turkey’s local economy but also highlighting the extravagant expenses associated with maintaining such a vessel.
Sanctions and safe havens
The geopolitical backdrop of Eclipse’s presence in Marmaris adds a layer of intrigue. In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Roman Abramovich, like many Russian oligarchs, has been subjected to extensive sanctions by Western countries.
These sanctions include restrictions on his yachts, which have been banned from sailing in European waters to prevent their seizure. As a result, Turkey—a nation that has maintained a neutral stance and refrained from imposing sanctions—has become a sanctuary for vessels like Eclipse.
Turkey’s South Aegean coast, with its favorable climate and world-class marinas, has attracted a fleet of yachts owned by Russian billionaires. For Abramovich, docking Eclipse in Marmaris represents both a practical solution and a strategic maneuver to safeguard his assets. However, the prolonged stay has turned the yacht into a symbol of the tensions between global sanctions and local economic opportunities.
While Eclipse undoubtedly enhances the prestige of Marmaris as a luxury destination, its environmental impact cannot be ignored. The continuous operation of fuel-hungry generators contributes to air and noise pollution, raising concerns among environmentalists and residents.
Additionally, the sheer opulence of a vessel burning a ton of fuel daily for air conditioning juxtaposes starkly with broader societal challenges, including rising energy costs and climate change.
Eclipse – an engineering marvel
The Eclipse, a pinnacle of maritime luxury and engineering marvel, stands as one of the world’s most impressive private vessels. Measuring an extraordinary 162.5 meters (533 feet) in length, this stunning yacht was launched in 2010 by the renowned German shipyard Blohm + Voss.
The Eclipse boasts an array of extraordinary features, including two helicopter landing pads, multiple swimming pools, a sophisticated missile defense system, and an integrated submarine that can be stored within the yacht’s hull. With accommodations for up to 36 guests across multiple decks, the vessel also employs a massive crew of 70 personnel to ensure impeccable service.
Constructed with cutting-edge technology and an estimated price tag of over $500 million, the Eclipse represents the absolute zenith of nautical opulence, featuring state-of-the-art stabilization systems, advanced navigation technology, and interior spaces designed with unparalleled attention to detail and luxurious materials sourced from around the globe.
