Tranquility (yacht) explained

Tranquility, previously known as Equanimity, is a 91.5abbr=onNaNabbr=on superyacht launched at the Oceanco yard in Alblasserdam, with Oceanco responsible for the exterior design, while Winch Design worked on the interior. The yacht was allegedly purchased by Malaysian financier Jho Low using money stolen from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. It was seized by the Malaysian authorities in 2018, judicially sold to the Genting Group in early 2019,[1] and renamed Tranquility.[2] [3]

Design

The length of the yacht is 91.5m (300.2feet) and the beam is 14.5m (47.6feet). The draught of Equanimity is 4m (13feet). The steel hull is strengthened to Ice Class E, with the superstructure made out of aluminium with teak laid decks. The yacht is built to RINA classification society rules, issued by Cayman Islands.

Equanimity is built to comply with the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC).

The ships facilities include a sauna, helicopter landing pad, swimming pool, gym, spa, movie theatre and an on deck Jacuzzi.

The tender garage houses two 10.5 metre tenders, that can carry up to 12 guests and two crew each. She is well equipped for adventure with a range of water toys including Jet Skis, Wave Runners, SeaBobs and an electric surfboard.

Engines

Power is delivered by twin 4,828 hp/3,600 kW MTU 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines with 271000L fuel tanks.

Seizure and judgement

In March 2018, it was reported that Indonesian authorities seized Equanimity in February. The US Department of Justice has been working on this case in relation to the 1MDB scandal since 2016 and has named Jho Low, the alleged owner of Equanimity, as a key figure in the US lawsuit. They believe funds used for the acquisition of the yacht were transferred from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB between 2009 and 2015.[4] [5]

In late April 2018, it was reported that Equanimity was released to its owner after an Indonesian court declared that the seizure of the yacht was invalid.[6] [7] However, Indonesian police seized the yacht again three months later after a request for legal assistance from the United States.

In August 2018, Equanimity was brought back to Malaysia from Indonesia and seized under Malaysian law following the activation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties between Indonesia, the United States and Malaysia.[8] [9] However, in a statement through his legal team, Low accused Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad of violating the "rule of law" for seizing the yacht.[10] [11]

On 19 October 2018, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur declared that the Equanimity belongs to two 1MDB subsidiaries, namely, 1MDB Energy Holdings Limited and 1MDB Global Investment Limited, after its registered owner Equanimity (Cayman) Ltd failed to appear in court to claim the superyacht.[12] [13]

The luxury superyacht was docked at the Boustead Cruise Centre terminal in Pulau Indah, Port Klang.[14] It reportedly cost the government RM3 million to maintain the yacht every month.[15] [16]

Auction

On 29 October 2018, Malaysia started an auction of the Equanimity through the yacht brokerage firm Burgess, which was appointed by the High Court of Malaya to assist with the sale of the superyacht.[17] [18]

On 3 April 2019, Malaysia's Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said the Admiralty Court in Kuala Lumpur had approved the offer by Genting to purchase the vessel, Equanimity, at the price of US$126 million.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Malaysia to sell 1MDB-linked superyacht to casino operator Genting for $170 million. 2019-04-03. The Straits Times. en. 2019-04-03.
  2. Web site: Jho Low's Equanimity gets new name: It's Tranquility now - Nation The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2019-04-30.
  3. Web site: No more Equanimity, it's Tranquility now. Reporters. F. M. T.. 2019-04-30. Free Malaysia Today. en-US. 2019-04-30.
  4. Web site: Equanimity seized by Indonesian authorities. Boat International. 2018-06-19.
  5. Web site: M/Y 'Equanimity' seized in Bali. SuperYacht News. 2018-04-23. 2018-06-19.
  6. Web site: Court rules 'Equanimity' free to leave Indonesia. SuperYacht News. 2018-04-23. 2018-06-19.
  7. Web site: U.S. Blocked From Seizing $250 Million Yacht Linked to 1MDB Probe. Wall Street Journal. 2018-06-19.
  8. Web site: Equanimity docks at Port Klang - Nation The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2018-08-07.
  9. Web site: Equanimity was properly seized under the laws of Malaysia, says AG - Nation The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2018-08-07.
  10. Web site: Mahathir violates 'rule of law' in yacht seizure, says Jho Low. www.thesundaily.my. en. 2018-08-07.
  11. News: Jho Low recalls 1988 judicial crisis to slam Dr M over yacht. 2018-08-05. Free Malaysia Today. 2018-08-07. en-US.
  12. Web site: After High Court ruling, Malaysia now free to sell superyacht Equanimity (updated) - Nation The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2018-10-19.
  13. News: Equanimity belongs to 1MDB, High Court rules Malay Mail. 2018-10-19. en.
  14. News: 'Superyacht' arrives in Malaysia amid media fanfare. 2018-08-07. Free Malaysia Today. 2018-08-07. en-US.
  15. News: 9 months to determine who owns Equanimity. 2018-08-07. Free Malaysia Today. 2018-08-08. en-US.
  16. Web site: Equanimity most expensive yacht to be auctioned - Nation The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2018-08-08.
  17. Web site: Malaysia starts auction of Jho Low's RM1b luxury yacht - Business News The Star Online. www.thestar.com.my. 2018-10-31.
  18. Web site: Malaysia picks Burgess as central agent for Equanimity sale. Edgeprop.my. en. 2018-10-31.