Costs of maintaining Melnychenko's seized yacht in Italy reach $30,000 a day

Financial burden on the Trieste budget

Italian taxpayers spend approximately $11 million a year on maintaining the sailing yacht Sailing Yacht A, which is linked to Russian oligarch Andriy Melnychenko. The vessel, valued at approximately $600 million, has been under arrest in the port of Trieste since March 2022 due to the application of sanctions. Estimates suggest that daily maintenance costs reach $30,000.

Where the money goes

According to Trieste mayor Roberto Dipiazza, financial resources are directed towards maintaining a crew of 20, purchasing fuel for generators, cleaning, security, and insurance. Current legislation requires that a seized vessel be kept in proper condition, which forces the state to bear these costs.

Risks to the state budget

In the event that sanctions are lifted, the yacht's owner is obliged to reimburse all incurred expenses. However, the mayor of Trieste expressed concern that state-funded maintenance of the vessel could continue for many more years.

«Зрештою, йому буде дешевше купити нову яхту, ніж відшкодувати все, що ми витратили» (Ultimately, it will be cheaper for him to buy a new yacht than to reimburse everything we have spent), Dipiazza said.

Other precedents in Italy

The case of Sailing Yacht A is not isolated. According to local media reports, more than $15 million of Tuscany region taxpayers' funds has already been spent on maintaining the yacht Scheherazade.

In addition, servicing the yacht Lady M, which is linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov, cost Italy approximately $2 million.