How Roman Abramovich paid for his yachts

The sequence of hulls delivered between 2010 and 2021 reveals a deliberate pivot in maritime strategy. After securing billions through the privatisation of Sibneft and Rusal, the owner moved from a fortified flagship to a dedicated support craft, and finally to a streamlined hull built for rapid departure when international sanctions took effect.

Roman Abramovich owns three large yachts. They arrived in order over eleven years. The first was a massive symbol of wealth. The second was a small support boat. The third was a fast escape vessel.

This sequence shows how one owner adapted to political pressure. The early boats were built for luxury and security. The later boats were built for speed and evasion. The change happened before the sanctions hit hard.

Abramovich made his money in oil and aluminium. He sold his stake in Sibneft for $13 billion in 2005. He then bought aluminium assets for $575 million. This capital funded the fleet.

Where did the money for these yachts come from?

Abramovich made his fortune in the loans for shares scheme. He acquired a stake in Sibneft in 1995 for about $100 million. He sold that stake to the Russian government in 2005 for $13 billion. This single transaction provided the capital for his early superyacht acquisitions.

He also entered the aluminium business during the 'aluminium wars'. He bought assets from the Reuben brothers for $575 million in 2000. He merged them into Rusal. He sold his half of Rusal in 2004 for £1.8 billion. This deal made him the richest person under forty at the time.

His wealth is held in a web of companies. Much of his assets are based in Jersey. Millhouse Capital serves as his investment vehicle. He uses these structures to manage his global holdings, including his yacht fleet.

How did Solaris escape the initial wave of seizures?

Solaris was in Barcelona for repairs when sanctions began. She put to sea on March 8, 2022. This date marks the start of widespread yacht seizures across Europe. She left the port before authorities could act.

She sailed to Montenegro next. She stayed in Tivat from March 12 to 14. This short stop allowed her to refuel and rest. She then headed east towards Turkish waters.

By March 21, she had docked at Bodrum in Turkey. This port is outside the jurisdiction of EU sanctions. She moved to another Turkish port around May 5. Her position is tracked on MarineTraffic. She has remained there since.

Why is Eclipse stuck in Turkey?

Eclipse is larger and slower than Solaris. She arrived in Turkish waters after the initial rush. She has anchored off the South Aegean coast of Muğla Province. Her AIS transponder confirms she has not made long-range passages in two years.

She was previously seen at Bodrum and Marmaris. These are popular spots for sanctioned yachts. She is still registered in Bermuda. Her estimated value is $438 million. She remains a static asset, unable to cruise freely.

The difference between the two hulls is clear. Solaris was built for speed and escape. Eclipse was built for comfort and security. When sanctions hit, the speedboat left. The fortress stayed.

Why did Abramovich build Eclipse as a fortress?

Eclipse arrived in December 2010. She was built by Blohm+Voss in Hamburg. At 162.5 metres, she was the longest private yacht in the world at that time. Only Azzam later surpassed her in 2013.

The design focused on heavy protection. She carried a missile detection system. She also had self-defense systems installed. These features suggest a fear of attack or kidnapping.

She had two helicopter pads for quick travel. There were twenty-four guest cabins. The crew needed seventy people to run her. Two swimming pools and a disco hall offered leisure.

A mini-submarine could dive fifty metres deep. Three launch boats supported the main hull. The cost was estimated at €340 million. Some reports value her at $438 million.

Eclipse served as a floating palace. She visited St. Martin and St. Barts each winter. She anchored in Turkey after sanctions began in 2022. Her AIS transponder shows she has not sailed far since.

What was the role of the support boat GARÇON?

GARÇON arrived in 2012. She is only 67 metres long. She was built by Damen Sea Axe. This was the first ship of this specific class.

A support boat carries what the yacht cannot. It holds extra fuel, food, and spare parts. It can go ahead to scout ports. It keeps the main yacht clean and ready.

GARÇON allowed Eclipse to stay out longer. She reduced the need to dock for supplies. This is a standard practice for very large yachts. But it also adds complexity.

Two large vessels require more coordination. They move as a single unit. The owner gains flexibility but doubles the operational footprint.

GARÇON shares the same flag as Eclipse. Both are registered in the Cook Islands. This registration choice is common for wealthy owners seeking privacy.

Why did Solaris replace Eclipse as the flagship?

Solaris arrived in 2021. She is 139 metres long. She was built by Lloyd Werft. This yard is known for speed rather than size.

Solaris is smaller than Eclipse. She is also faster. The design prioritises performance over volume. This suggests a shift in priority.

The timing is critical. Solaris arrived just months before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sanctions targeted Abramovich immediately after. He needed a boat that could leave quickly.

Solaris was in Barcelona for repairs in early 2022. She put to sea on March 8, 2022. This was when seizures began to escalate across Europe.

Both Eclipse and Solaris moved to Turkey. Turkey does not enforce EU sanctions against Russian oligarchs. This allowed both boats to remain safe.

Solaris moved to another Turkish port around May 5. Her position is tracked on MarineTraffic. She has evaded seizure since March 2022.

Eclipse has stayed in Turkish territorial waters. She anchors near Muğla Province. She visits Bodrum and Marmaris. She no longer cruises the Mediterranean freely.

The strategy worked. Neither boat was seized. The owner kept his assets intact. But he lost the freedom to travel with them.

The three boats show a clear evolution. Eclipse was a status symbol. It was built to last forever. It was a static asset.

What does this sequence tell us about the owner?

GARÇON was a tool. It supported the main asset. It added utility without adding risk.

Solaris was an exit plan. It was built to run. It sacrificed size for speed. It was ready to leave at a moment's notice.