In the harbour of Marmaris, Turkey, the giant remained anchored for almost three years, and even so, its appetite was insatiable. This is the Eclipse, a superyacht owned by Russian businessman and politician Roman Abramovich. At the time, this colossal vessel, valued at $700 million, was the largest ever built and is still considered one of the most technologically advanced.
Just a few months ago, the Eclipse finally began to move to be transported to Istanbul, where it will be repaired. However, during the 900 days it remained immobile, the superyacht consumed a tonne of diesel per day for the sole purpose of keeping its complex air conditioning system running, necessary to protect its luxurious interior and sophisticated electronic systems from heat and humidity.
Floating fortress
This 162-metre-long and 22-metre-wide superyacht has a number of luxurious features, such as two helipads, luxurious suites, a cinema and a swimming pool that turns into a dance floor. But that’s not all, as it also has a submarine capable of diving to a depth of up to 50 metres, an anti-missile system, bulletproof windows and partial armour plating between the hull. In other words, it is almost a floating fortress.
Because of all this, the ship had to be kept at an ideal temperature, even when docked, which required enormous daily diesel consumption by the engines. As mentioned by Sustainability Times, after the Eclipse began sailing, it left a significant ecological and economic trail, raising questions about the sustainability and ethics of maintaining luxury items such as this.
The Eclipse turns 15
The Eclipse was delivered to Abramovich in 2010 by Blohm+Voss, and in 2025 it turned 15, which is why it underwent a thorough special classification inspection. In August, Luxury Launches announced that the hull would undergo ultrasonic measurements of thickness, coating, antifouling coating renewal, anode replacement and corrosion control. The propulsion system, including stern shafts, rudder shaft, steering mechanism and stabilisers, will be dismantled and inspected.
In addition, marine systems such as water intakes, valves, coolers and piping will be opened, checked and certified. Life-saving equipment and fire-fighting systems will also be carefully checked, as will electrical and automated systems. All this is to ensure that the ship complies with current safety standards. He also reported that the superyacht may undergo aesthetic improvements, such as partial or total repainting of the hull. For a ship like the Eclipse, this costs around US$20 million. The total cost of the 15-year special inspection and related aesthetic work could easily exceed US$40 million.
