The saga over the ownership of 114m (375') motor yacht LUNA continues, as Dubai court rules in favour of ex-wife of Farkhad Akhmedov and dismisses claimants' lawsuit, which claims nine-figure damages as a result of lost charter income, as 'groundless'.
In the latest round of the costliest divorce battle in British history, the highest court in Dubai has ruled against Mr Akhmedov and the Akhmedov family trust Straight Establishment (the current registered Owner of the yacht) in their claim against Mr Akhmedov's ex-wife Tatiana.
The latest claim was filed for "loss of opportunity and moral damages", and it alleges that the claimants should receive AED847 million (about $230.6 million) in damages.
This was on the basis that the yacht was wrongfully arrested and was therefore unable to charter for 37 weeks, thus accruing a loss of AED235 million ($64 million).
The claim was dismissed as 'groundless' by a judge, and Tatiana Akhmedova's legal team have stated that any claims for lost charter fees ran contrary to Straight Establishment’s previous declarations that the vessel was not a commercial yacht and could not be used for financial gain.
The Akhmedov Family Trust is the registered Owner of $450m million luxury yacht LUNA. However, she remains moored in Port Rashid subject to injunctions obtained in the Marshall Islands and in England by Ms Akhmedova, which prevent the transfer of ownership of the yacht or its removal from Dubai.
LUNA is known as one of the world’s largest expedition yachts, boasting nine decks after an additional one was added in a £50m refit in 2016.
2016: The divorce between Farkhad and Tatiana Akhmedov becomes the costliest divorce ever seen in a British courtroom. Tatiana Akhmedova is awarded 41.5% of her ex-husband’s marital assets and a £453 million payout. The ruling is allegedly described as 'toilet paper' by Mr Akhmedov and he has allegedly not paid his ex-wife any of the sum to date.
February 2018: Owing to his alleged lack of co-operation since the initial ruling, superyacht LUNA is impounded on the dock in Dubai. A British court transfers ownership to Tatiana Akhmedova.
August 2018: Farkhad Akhmedov appeals the claim in Dubai. A Sharia court rejects the appeal, upholding the order made by the London High Court.
September 2018: Farkhad Akmedov re-appeals his case based on the ground that he was already divorced from his ex-wife Tatiana as early as 2000. The divorce was allegedly finalized in Russia. Mr Akhmedov maintains that the UK’s judgement is part of a wider, politically motivated agenda and continues to dispute the ruling in Tatiana's favour. He allegedly claims that any rulings made in the UK hold no ground.
2019: It's widely reported that the Akhemdov Family Trust was awarded ownership of LUNA. A spokesperson for Akhmedov said; "Mr Akhmedov is delighted but not surprised by today's court decision in favour of the Akhmedov family trust.”
One of the largest expedition yachts on the planet, motor yacht LUNA features an Ice Class Hull for cruising the polar ice caps. She made history as the world's first superyacht to be built to Passenger Yacht Code regulations, meaning she can accommodate more guests than the average yacht.
At 115m, she is home to one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht in the world, She features two helipads, a spa, gym and a dance floor. A beach club, a jacuzzi and a tender garage to house a vast array of water toys are among her superb repertoire of amenities.
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