Yacht Havers Are Losing Access to Teak Because it Funded Myanmar’s Junta

The world’s most expensive yachts have interiors and decking made of teak, a tropical hardwood that is desired for its resistance to water and rot, and for the fact that it has become a status symbol for the wealthy. The thing is, according to the BBC, they shouldn’t have it at all, and now the richest idiots in the world are looking for a new material to work with.

As of 2021, it has become illegal to import teak into the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The reason is two-fold. First, teak contributes to deforestation, which has devastated the Southeast Asian nation’s ecosystem. But let’s be honest, the Jeff Bezos of the world don’t really care. The main reason teak is out (well, supposedly) is that it was found that the teak trade funds the military junta that took over Myanmar by force in 2021 – the same military that committed genocide against the Rohingya people.

Western governments immediately tried to cut off that funding by issuing sanctions against Myanmar, including against several state-owned timber companies, known as major exporters of teak. It was a real buzz for the sailing class, but it didn’t really stop them. In 2023, The Guardian reported that several US companies continued to import teak produced in Myanmar.

Other shipbuilders also violated the sanctions. UK-based Sunseeker was fined for using Myanmar teak in 2024, and Dutch shipyard Oceanco was penalized for the same violation for a superyacht built for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Why these companies continue to use teak is probably very simple. Bezos’s yacht is worth $500 million. The fine for Teak was $157,000. They can probably attach it to the bill.

Despite this, according to the BBC, it appears that the industry is finally starting to move away from teak – not for any ethical reason, but because pre-ban teak stocks are finally running out. Sunreef Yachts, based in Poland and Dubai, announced it would abandon teak altogether and adopt both other wood and non-wood alternatives. Supposedly, Google co-founder Sergey Bryan and Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and a suite of hotels and restaurants, have both pursued alternative options for their recent yacht projects. According to the BBC, Brian used more sustainable wood on the helipad of his yacht, so if you see him be sure to thank him for his sacrifice.

Let us all look forward to finding out what those funds will collide with in the near future.