The long-anticipated auction of the 106.1-metre Lürssen superyacht Amadea is now officially underway, marking a pivotal development in one of the most high-profile asset seizures since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Administered by National Maritime Services in partnership with Fraser, the sealed bid auction opened on 5 August 2025 and will close on 10 September 2025.
Bidders are required to submit a $10 million deposit to participate, with full auction materials available upon registration. The sale represents a rare and exceptional opportunity in the global superyacht market.
“This is perhaps the most spectacular, exacting and beautiful ship any of us will ever see,” said Bob Toney, chairman of National Maritime Services. “An opportunity like this for discerning owners is exceedingly rare – maybe once in a lifetime.”
A Vessel Caught in Geopolitical Crossfire
Amadea has been at the centre of a prolonged legal battle since 2022, when it was seized by U.S. authorities as part of sanctions enforcement following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Though officially claimed by Eduard Khudainatov, former CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft, a U.S. court ruled in March 2025 that Khudainatov could not “plausibly” prove ownership and that he appeared to serve as a “straw owner” for sanctioned billionaire Suleiman Kerimov.
Despite this ruling, Khudainatov filed an appeal in April 2025 and requested a delay of the sale or a bond to secure the yacht’s full value—estimated at $230 million. The U.S. District Court, however, allowed the sale to proceed, citing overwhelming evidence that incidents of ownership were in fact held by the Kerimov family.
A Legal Precedent and a Political Statement
In 2024, the Biden administration passed legislation allowing the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine for humanitarian and economic purposes. Amadea is one of the largest and most valuable yachts seized under this initiative and may serve as a financial asset for Ukrainian recovery efforts if successfully sold.
The case has raised broader questions about ownership transparency in the superyacht world, with U.S. prosecutors emphasising that Khudainatov held only a “bare title” and did not control or benefit from the vessel.
“There is a sufficient basis to conclude that Claimants (Khudainatov) are mere straw owners of the Amadea,” wrote U.S. District Judge Dale Ho.
Design and Value
Delivered by Lürssen in 2017, Amadea is one of the most opulent yachts ever built. She features interior design by Zuretti Interior Designers and exterior styling by Espen Øino, with amenities that include multiple decks, a cinema, spa, pool, and helipad.
An independent valuation has placed her market value at $230 million, with many in the industry watching closely to see what price she ultimately achieves at auction.
What’s Next
With the auction now open, prospective buyers have until 10 September 2025 to submit their sealed bids. Depending on the result, Amadea could not only set a benchmark for seized asset auctions but also become a political and financial symbol amid ongoing global tensions.
Stay tuned to Superyachts Channel for continued coverage of the Amadea auction and developments in yacht law, ownership, and geopolitics.
