Italy's costly upkeep of seized Russian oligarch's superyacht revealed

Italy faces a significant financial burden maintaining the seized "Sailing Yacht A," a $600 million superyacht belonging to Russian oligarch Andrei Melnichenko. Since its confiscation in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Italian state has been paying approximately 24,600 euros daily for the vessel's upkeep.

The superyacht, the world's largest sailing yacht, is currently docked in Trieste. Despite being immobilized, it cannot be left without continuous maintenance, which includes energy, specialized personnel, and preservation work to prevent deterioration. This ongoing expense is substantial, especially as the yacht is valued at $600 million.

Adding to the costs, the "Sailing Yacht A" requires a mandatory technical inspection by January 2027 to renew its class certificate, confirming compliance with safety and technical standards. While the inspection itself is not the largest expense, potential repairs identified by inspectors could run into millions of euros due to the yacht's size and complex technology.

Two Italian shipyards, one in Trieste and another in Genoa, are vying for the state-funded contract to perform these necessary works. There's also a possibility the yacht could be moved to Liguria for repairs, potentially meaning it might not return to Trieste. This decision carries weight, as the yacht has become a familiar sight in Trieste's port and a constant drain on public funds.