The unusually designed three-master had only been handed over to the Russian owner a few weeks ago and was now on its transfer voyage to Cartagena, where further work is to take place. The ship was to bunker fuel in Gibraltar, presumably because of the more favourable prices there. The shipyard's relatively drastic measure is justified by outstanding invoices totalling almost 15 million euros, which were supposed to be paid by the end of January. According to NDR, which contacted a spokesperson for the owner, the issue is a dispute over alleged construction defects at the shipyard. Nobiskrug declined to comment on the case.
The mega yacht and its crew have now been placed under "ship arrest" in Gibraltar and will have to wait until a legal agreement is reached. The owner's spokesperson is quoted as saying that they are confident that the arrest and "this whole unfortunate episode" will be resolved in the coming days.
Disputes over residual payments for such huge projects - the value of the ship is estimated at around 400 million euros - are not uncommon. But it is rather unusual for such radical means to be resorted to.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
