Gov’t takes possession of Alfa Nero Today

Today Tuesday, the government will take full possession of the Alfa Nero, the Russian-owned Superyacht that has been docked at the Falmouth Harbor for over a year now.

The multi-million-dollar floating castle, which has become a liability for the state was expected to become the property of Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday ahead of a looming auction. However, plans changed when lawyers suggested a little more time be allowed.

The auction of the abandoned 81.3-meter superyacht is moving ahead after no official claim to ownership was made.

Once the possession process is complete, the boat will be auctioned to the highest bidder, and the revenues will be placed into the consolidated fund, as stated by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Once the vessel becomes the government’s property, several measures must be taken.

It is said that the yacht is owned by sanctioned Russian fertilizer tycoon Andrey Guryev.

The Alfa Nero has not been moved since arriving around the start of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine

According to a Google search, the Alfa Nero was sold in 2011 to its current owner with a last known asking price of $115 million.

It offers accommodation for as many as 12 guests across six suites, comprising a master, two VIPs, two doubles, and a twin.

Alfa Nero can also host 28 crew and has a long list of key features that include a hydraulically operated pool and a helipad on the aft deck.

The boat has been said to be a liability and marine hazard. When it leaves Antigua, it will have a new name and a new flag.