Maritime researchers and companies are debating the fate of the Basra Breeze, a multi-million dollar superyacht built for Saddam Hussein.

21/02/2020
579 4 minutes read

By Waheed Ghanem, in Basra

 

After three decades of cruising the open seas, the Iraqi government’s very own superyacht, the Basra Breeze, has come to a standstill. She is anchored in the Shatt al-Arab, in the city whose name she bears, while potential users and owners fight about who should be sailing her and who should pay the bill for her upkeep.

Both the University of Basra and Basra’s port and maritime authority have claimed the yacht.

“After the late president, Jalal Talabani, presented the yacht to the University of Basra for scientific research purposes, we were also told that it should be registered in the name of the Ministry of Transport, and our company, to enable financing for its upkeep,” argues Mahdi Askar, manager at the state-owned General Company for Maritime Transport.

The university had been using the superyacht for research purposes and as a site for seminars while the port authority is responsible for the craft’s maintenance and management. Because the superyacht belongs to the Iraqi government, neither party have the authority to sell or lease it out.

The Basra Breeze was originally built in 1981 for former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, by a Danish shipyard, Helsingor Vaerft. It cost US$25 million at the time. It is estimated to be worth over four times that now.

The irony is that Hussein never even set foot on the boat because it was to be delivered just as the Iran-Iraq war broke out in the early 1980s. It wasn’t possible to moor the superyacht in Iraq because of the fighting so it was left in Oman and loaned out to various Gulf State royal families.

“Saddam believed that the war against Iran wouldn’t go on that long and that he would eventually be able to get the boat,” says the Basra Breeze’s captain, Hussein Ghazi Khalifa. In fact the war went on for around eight years.

“As far as I know, the Danish only made two such yachts ever and one of them is this ship,” Khalifa told Al Menassa.

The yacht, which is 82 meters long and weighs 2,494 tons, was mostly used to shuttle wealthy Gulf families between France and their homelands. The boat has 16 guest rooms, a small theatre and a helipad; it even has the capability to launch missiles.

“After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the Iraqi government demanded that the yacht – which was then anchored in Nice in France – be returned,” recalls former Iraqi transport minister, Amer Abdul-Jabbar. After the government reclaimed the boat, it tried to sell it but had no success.

“There were a lot of things that made a sale difficult,” Abdul-Jabber explains. “Not least politics – the superyacht was a symbol of the former regime and there were fears that somebody would buy and use the boat for propaganda purposes. The sale price was low, about US$4 million, and debts on the yacht – things like port fees and crew wages – were estimated at US$2 million.”

By then the Basra Breeze had been moved to Greece and a delegation from the Ministry of Transport made their way there, to reclaim the boat and pay off creditors. They had already had to wrangle with remaining members of Saddam Hussein’s family who said the boat must be theirs. However the Iraqi government was able to prove ownership, Abdul-Jabbar explained. And the superyacht eventually reached Iraq in November 2010.

Touring the superyacht today and there are signs that the vessel needs some maintenance. It’s still glamorous but some of the outer and inner structure needs work, the captain, Khalifa, reports.

There are rumours that amenities are luxurious and gold plated but Khalifa says these are untrue. It’s just paint, he notes. There are four floors, with the lower one reserved for services, sailors’ accommodation and engine rooms. The third floor houses the presidential suite, an office, a barber shop and several large halls suitable for events. There is even a secret room that would have been meant as a secure panic room for the former Iraqi president. On the fourth floor is officers’ accommodation and the bridge, as well as a small medical clinic and pharmacy.

Given the boat’s history it is also ironic that its next port of call will most likely be in Iran. Khalifa says that various shipyards, including Basra’s own, were queried about the cost of maintenance for the superyacht and a private facility in Khorramshahr (also known as Muḥammarah in Arabic) in Iran had made the best offer.

Khalifa says they are still trying to figure out exactly what to do with the superyacht and how to finance it in the future. It’s a big drain on the university’s budget, he argued.

The original shipyard in Denmark had offered to use the superyacht as a kind of museum in northern Europe because it was something they were proud of building, he continues. “In return they would give us a specialized marine research vessel,” Khalifa notes. “We have also had other similar offers – for example, somebody wanted to start a wax museum onboard – but we have turned them down because we are worried that those who still hate Saddam Hussein could take revenge on the boat.”

Other investors have suggested turning it into a floating casino and some want to use it as a luxury cruise liner, travelling between Iraq and the Gulf States.

For now though, the Basra Breeze will most likely continue with its research missions – Basra University has several joint science projects planned, cooperating with Iranian and Gulf state researchers, in the near future.

21/02/2020
579 4 minutes read

Related Articles

Photo of GRAND DESIGNS ON HOME DELIVERY: Basra’s improved security makes big business plans possible for local women

GRAND DESIGNS ON HOME DELIVERY: Basra’s improved security makes big business plans possible for local women

10/04/2024
Photo of FEMALE STREETFOOD VENDOR: ‘Chickpeas made me an independent woman’

FEMALE STREETFOOD VENDOR: ‘Chickpeas made me an independent woman’

29/03/2024
Photo of The fall of Baghdad, and a friendship forged

The fall of Baghdad, and a friendship forged

09/04/2023
Photo of In Nasiriyah, memories of US invasion of Iraq still strong

In Nasiriyah, memories of US invasion of Iraq still strong

09/04/2023

171 Comments

  1. I am no longer sure where you are getting your info, however great topic.
    I needs to spend a while finding out much more or understanding more.
    Thank you for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my
    mission.

  4. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It really helpful
    & it helped me out much. I hope to offer one thing back and help others like
    you aided me.

  5. Hi there, yes this paragraph is genuinely good and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
    thanks.

  8. Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
    It is the little changes that will make the greatest changes.
    Thanks a lot for sharing!

  10. If some one wishes expert view concerning running a blog
    then i recommend him/her to pay a quick visit this blog, Keep up the fastidious job.

  14. Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

  47. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.

    Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see
    a nice blog like this one these days.

  65. If some one desires to be updated with hottest technologies afterward he must be pay a quick visit this site and be up to date
    daily.

  83. Hi there! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask.
    Does managing a well-established blog such as yours take a large amount of work?
    I’m brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and thoughts online.

    Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

  84. I really like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.

  87. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  88. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not
    sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my
    problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!

  90. Appreciating the commitment you put into your website and detailed information you
    offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same
    unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your
    RSS feeds to my Google account.

  91. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout
    of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect
    with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two
    pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  92. Hi, i believe that i noticed you visited my blog so i
    came to return the choose?.I am attempting to find issues to improve
    my web site!I suppose its good enough to make use
    of a few of your concepts!!

  94. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a
    developer to create your theme? Fantastic work!

  95. I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any interesting
    article like yours. It is beautiful worth enough
    for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net can be much more useful than ever before.

  96. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and
    wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog
    posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I
    hope you write again soon!

  97. I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it.

    I’ve got you book marked to check out new stuff you post…

  98. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
    from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to
    begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks

  99. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However think of if you added some great images or video clips
    to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
    with images and video clips, this site could
    undeniably be one of the best in its niche. Amazing blog!

  100. This piece of writing provides clear idea in support of the new people
    of blogging, that really how to do blogging and site-building.

  101. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but,
    I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog
    you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
    great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  102. I am not sure where you are getting your information,
    but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great information I was looking for this info for
    my mission.

  103. Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried
    it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

  104. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend
    your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog web site?
    The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vivid transparent
    concept

  105. Unquestionably imagine that that you stated.
    Your favourite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest
    factor to take into account of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst folks think about worries
    that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out
    the whole thing with no need side-effects , folks can take a
    signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  106. I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!

    Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.

  109. Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this
    web page, and your views are pleasant for new users.

  110. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested
    to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
    is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I
    had to share it with someone!

  111. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your website
    in web explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace
    chief and a huge section of folks will miss
    your great writing because of this problem.

  112. This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.

    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog
    (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say,
    and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

    Visit my page … raycon

  114. Hurrah! In the end I got a weblog from where I be capable of
    actually take valuable information regarding my study and
    knowledge.

  115. Howdy I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you
    by error, while I was searching on Yahoo for something
    else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say
    cheers for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the
    theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added
    your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb work.

  117. hi!,I like your writing so so much! share we keep in touch extra about your post on AOL?
    I require an expert in this house to solve my problem.
    May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  118. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog.
    I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit once again since I book-marked it.
    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich
    and continue to guide other people.

  119. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger,
    and I was curious about your situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are
    looking to trade methods with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  120. If some one wishes expert view regarding blogging and site-building then i propose him/her to pay a visit this website,
    Keep up the nice work.

  127. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day.
    It will always be exciting to read through articles from other writers and use a little something from other sites.

    Here is my web blog … tracfone 2022

  128. In Firefox I normally use right-click > “Open in new tab” when browsing web pages. This can also be done when clicking on a bookmark. . . Is there any way to get Firefox to do this automatically (by default) when left-clicking a bookmark instead of having to do the right click?.

  170. Nice that you are here. Feel free to ring through if blonde cam girls, if you are a wanker, submissive or a slave. I am quite multifaceted and like to ask friendly what you like to do. Let’s see if I like it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button