Antigua: Superyacht Alfa Nero sold for US $40M
The Antigua and Barbuda government has successfully sold the Alfa Nero, a luxury yacht left in their waters by a Russian oligarch.
The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance confirmed that the Antigua Port Authority “has successfully concluded the sale of the Alfa Nero for US$40 million and the consequential prompt removal of the yacht from our jurisdiction.”
The 267ft vessel had been anchored in Antigua since February 2022. After seizing it in April 2023, the government put it up for auction.
Initially, US tech mogul Eric Schmidt won with a $67 million bid but later withdrew, citing legal complications.
The name of the new buyer has not been disclosed.
The yacht’s extended stay posed various challenges for Antigua and Barbuda. The government stated, “The proceeds from the sale will be used to fulfil various obligations, including settling outstanding debts owed to creditors and the crew since the yacht’s arrival.”
They further explained, “In addition to covering these debts, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to address the $220 million funding gap recorded for the first half of 2024. This strategic allocation of funds underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining financial stability and addressing critical fiscal needs.”
The government also plans to assess the economic impact of the vessel’s prolonged presence, saying, “This evaluation will include determining any damages incurred over the past 24 months, with the goal of ensuring accountability and preventing similar occurrences in the future.”
