Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich has sent his mega-yacht, the Eclipse, into a German port for renovations just four years after its launch, the British Daily Mail site reported on Wednesday.
The Daily Mail did not report what kind of work is being done to the yacht, but from the newspaper's photos it is evidently in dry dock, indicating that major work is being done.
The Eclipse was estimated to cost at least $300 million to build, but reports of the yacht's value have since swollen to $1.5 billion since its 2011 launch.
Built in secrecy, much has been speculated in the tabloid press about the accoutrements of Abramovich's yacht — including the existence of a German-made missile defense system and lasers to blind the camera lenses of snooping paparazzi.
These reports are unsubstantiated, but what is known about the vessel is no less impressive.
With a full-time crew of 60 sailors, the luxury vessel has two swimming pools — one can be converted into a night club-style dance floor — and two helicopter pads.
Some reports say the Eclipse has room for up to 35 guests, and that Abramovich's private stateroom is surrounded by armored plating.
The 163-meter Eclipse was the largest yacht in the world when it was delivered to its owner in 2011, but in 2013 the honor was stolen by another yacht, the 180-meter Azzam.
Azzam is said to belong to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. U.S news outlet CNN reported at the time that the yacht cost up to $600 million to build.
But competition for the world's largest mega-yacht is stiff among the world's uber-elite.
Last week, CNN reported that an unidentified buyer has commissioned a $1 billion, 222-meter mega-yacht known only as Triple Deuce.
