‘As if they were playing Monopoly’

It’s no secret that billionaires and their superyachts have caused quite a stir over the last few years. Observers have criticized the impact of superyachts on the environment, as ships seemingly get bigger and carbon emissions increase accordingly.

According to Russian billionaire Leonid Mikhelson, his influence spread almost far beyond the Balearic Sea.

Like reported Built by Luxurylaunches, Mikhelson and his $150 million superyacht Pacific made a splash when they docked in Arenys de Mar on the Spanish coast in 2016. The 280-meter luxury giant is known for its unique color-changing exterior. The ship, built by the German shipyard Lürssen, was delivered to Mikhelson in 2010.

The ship also has a number of outstanding features, including not one but two helipads. Pacific is also equipped with an elevator, a pool, and enough space for 12 guests and 28 crew. With its two MTU diesel engines, Pacific is capable of producing significant carbon emissions, increasing air pollution and potential water pollution.

According to a to work Carbon pollution from superyachts is a major contributor to rising global temperatures, according to research conducted by Oxfam.

The executive summary of the research reads: “Oxfam identified 23 superyachts owned by 18 billionaires and estimated that the average annual carbon footprint of each of these yachts was 5,672 tonnes – more than three times the emissions of billionaires’ private jets.” “This is equivalent to 860 years of emissions from the average person on Earth.”

While Mikhelson and his ship became a must-see spectacle for locals, the billionaire also made his presence known in another way. Mikhelson’s team was allegedly seen scouting surrounding towns and obtaining information on various properties he was considering purchasing off the coast of Spain.

Mikhelson and his friends acted “as if they were playing a game,” according to the mayor of the nearby town of Sant Vicenç de Montalt MonopolyHe’s buying everything.” But the gas magnate’s plans were foiled when he and his team were informed that their coastal property in Spain required government tenders.

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