Maritime Observer Newsletter - February 2025
Ocean Independence and Pardo Yachts open bases in Dubai, Aqaba's Ayla Marina adds another certification to its mantle. Plus, Russian superyachts take center stage at US and UK courts.
2025 started off at full throttle as The Middle East leisure marine market continues to expand. In January, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced the “Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi,” a new initiative aimed at attracting superyacht owners to invest in Abu Dhabi by offering 10-year vias for any owner with a vessel above 40 meters in length. Meanwhile, The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted 12 new licenses for the purposes of marina construction, leisure marine recreation, and cruise ship operations. These developments will undoubtedly benefit from news of the ceasefire in Gaza, which will bring positive reinforcements to the superyacht industry, let alone the wider maritime world, as safe passages are expected to resume after a period of declining activity in the Red Sea owing to security issues and surging insurance rates. That being said, it is important to note that the threat of piracy did not entirely abate, as Houthi activities may still remain.
Stay tuned for this month, which is bookended by two regional shows. The Egypt International Boat Show takes place from the 6th-9th at the Cairo International Convention Center, and the Dubai International Boat Show returns for its 31 edition on February 19th at Dubai Harbour.
All the best for February,
Faisal.
For sales and general enquiries: faisal@maritimeobserver.com
Website: maritimeobserver.com
Ocean Independence Celebrates The Opening of New Dubai Branch
Brokerage house Ocean Independence has touched down in The Middle East. The firm, which specializes in yacht sales, charter, new build, and management, has announced the opening of its 16th branch at Dubai Harbour Marina, adding to its worldwide roster of offices – with other locations including Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Athens, and Mumbai.
Aqaba’s Ayla Marina Awarded 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation
As the Red Sea continues to establish its place as a superyacht destination, another marina in the region receives an accreditation.
Last week, Aqaba’s Ayla Marina was awarded a 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) after the completion of the Gold Anchor Assessment. This marks the second award by TYHA to Ayla Marina, who was previously granted a Clean Marina Award after joining TYHA in 2024. Ayla Marina is the first marina in Jordan to receive both awards. Subject to independent audits and ongoing verification, “Gold Anchor” accreditations are awarded with the aim of improving marina standards and customer experience.
Drettmann Yachts Announces Partnership with IR Yachts
German brokerage house Drettmann Yachts has partnered with yacht consultancy company IR Yachts in a move to expand its presence in The Middle East. Drettmann will be locally represented by Mahmoud Itani, the Dubai-based executive who has previously spent 10 years at UAE-based superyacht builder Gulf Craft as a marketing and communications manager before providing consultancy services to parties in The Middle East leisure marine industry with IR Yachts since 2022.
Pardo Yachts Enters Middle East Superyacht Market with Ocean 360
Italian boat builder Pardo Yachts, a division of Cantiere Del Pardo, has announced its partnership with Ocean 360, the exclusive dealer of the shipyard’s boats in the UAE.
: “The Middle East holds strategic importance for Pardo Yachts’ global expansion. Partnering with Ocean 360, a trusted and well-established name in the UAE, gives us confidence that this market will embrace the unparalleled quality and style that define our yachts.” said the CEO of Cantiere del Pardo Marcello Veronesi.
Ocean 360 is one of the UAE’s leading brokerage companies, specializing in sales, charters, tenders and water toys, and owner services. The firm previously represented Ferretti Group in The Middle East. Ocean 360 CEO Sebastian Dumitrescu was really appointed as Group Director of Ocean Independence’s new Dubai branch. The Swiss-based brokerage house’s first entry into the Middle East superyacht market.
Hearings on Russian Superyachts in US and UK Courts Show Who's Really Paying The Price
Cases:
US v. M/Y Amadea, 23-cv-09304, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
Dalston Projects Ltd and others v Secretary of State for Transport UKSC/2024/0055
When the United States, United Kingdom, and other governments started to impose sanctions on Russian individuals in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 - to pressure the Russian government to cease actions in Ukraine - it would have been hard to imagine that one asset would prove to have seminal consequences on the foreign policy tool: the superyacht. This was the case in January 2025, where court proceedings on both sides of the Atlantic took place pertaining to Russian-owned vessels impounded by the US and UK authorities, respectively - the former with the intention of selling the seized yacht and directing the proceeds toward the cause, and the latter detaining the asset to send a message to “Putin and his cronies.” The court hearings illustrated the effectiveness of the sanctions measures put in place by the jurisdictions in question, how the changes in political regimes play a role, and who really paid the price.