New owner found for Karimov’s superyacht

The Amadea superyacht, previously owned by Russian billionaire and oligarch Suleyman Karimov, has found a new owner, Business Insider reported.

According to the publication, the U.S. Department of Justice auctioned off the 106-meter vessel on September 10, selling it to an undisclosed buyer. The auction was conducted by National Maritime Services, a Florida-based company. The sale price was not disclosed. Although Amadea was initially valued at $300 million, a recent independent appraisal estimated its worth at around $230 million. U.S. officials sought to sell the yacht as quickly as possible since maintaining it cost American taxpayers nearly $1 million per month for the crew, fuel, and insurance.

Built by the German shipyard Lürssen, the six-deck Amadea (Latin for “Love of God”) is considered a floating palace. The yacht’s interior features marble and rare wood, with certain details adorned with gemstones. It has eight cabins accommodating 16 guests and 36 crew members. Onboard amenities include a helipad, swimming pool, gym, spa, conference room, wine cellar, and an aquarium for lobsters. The centerpiece of the interior is a hand-painted Pleyel grand piano, with every component—from the pedals to the hinges—crafted from 24-karat gold.

Owning a confiscated yacht carries certain risks, as ownership rights can be disputed.

In the spring of 2022, the yacht was seized in Fiji at the request of the United States and later transported to San Diego. Karimov denied owning the yacht. However, the U.S. Department of Justice submitted to the court crew testimonies and records showing that the billionaire had been the first passenger aboard the Amadea. According to published information, the yacht’s interior was refurbished at the personal request of the Karimov family, including the installation of a pizza oven and spa facilities. One crew member was instructed to always keep a pair of the billionaire’s favorite Nike sneakers on board.

Dagestan-born Federation Council member Suleyman Karimov was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 as a senator “benefiting from President Vladimir Putin’s regime and playing a key role in advancing Russia’s malign activities.” Nevertheless, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, the billionaire agreed to purchase Amadea through trusted intermediaries in 2021.

Officially, the yacht became the property of Millemarin Investments Ltd. 30 days before the sale. The deal also involved Errigan Marine, whose nominal owner is Evgeny Kochman, CEO of the licensed yacht brokerage Imperial Yachts.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, from October 2021 until the yacht was seized by the Fijian government, Karimov and his family had taken several trips aboard the Amadea, planned extensive upgrades, arranged long-term voyages, and covered all operational expenses, spending around $2 million.

After the seizure, former Rosneft CEO Eduard Khudainatov attempted to claim ownership of the yacht. However, U.S. authorities considered him a front man trying to conceal Karimov’s true ownership. In July 2025, a federal judge in New York granted permission to put the Amadea up for auction.

It should be recalled that the Amadea superyacht, once owned by Russian billionaire Suleyman Karimov, was earlier placed on a closed auction in San Diego, California.