Iran, Maersk Close to Deal Over Vessel Arrest

By Parisa Hafezi

ANKARA, May 6 (Reuters) – Iran stated on Wednesday a authorized settlement could possibly be reached quickly over its seizure of the Marshall-Islands flagged Maersk Tigris container ship within the Strait of Hormuz final month, in line with the official IRNA information company.

The Maersk Tigris was diverted on April 28 by Iranian patrol boats in one of many world’s main oil delivery lanes, prompting the United States to ship vessels to observe the state of affairs and to accompany U.S.-flagged vessels passing by the strait.

Danish delivery large Maersk has insisted on the discharge of the vessel and its 24 crew members. Iran says the Maersk Tigris would solely be let go as soon as a years-old debt case is settled.

“The negotiations between the private complainant and the other party are going on and possibly the issue will be resolved in a day or two,” IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham as telling a information convention.

“The 24 members of the crew are free and they are benefiting from consular assistance,” she stated.

Reuters understands that crew are nonetheless underneath Iranian supervision.

A spokesman for Rickmers Shipmanagement, which manages the ship, stated it was in touch with the crew.

“They are still on the ship and they have always been onboard the vessel since the Iranians took custody of the ship,” the spokesman stated.

Maersk, the world’s largest container delivery firm, stated it had despatched a letter of enterprise associated to the case earlier on Wednesday, however wouldn’t elaborate on what that enterprise was or when the difficulty could possibly be resolved.

Maersk chartered the ship, which in line with ship operator Rickmers is owned by undisclosed non-public traders.

Iranian officers have repeatedly stated the vessel is not going to be launched till the case is settled. But Maersk has argued that as a result of the vessel just isn’t owned by the corporate, it has nothing to do with any authorized proceedings.

A Rickmers spokesman stated on Thursday: “We’ve noted the statements in the media from Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman. I can only confirm that Maersk – as stated yesterday – are in dialog with the court in Iran.”

The incident occurred at a vital juncture in U.S.-Iranian relations, which might thaw after many years of hostility ought to a tentative nuclear deal between Tehran and 6 world powers together with Washington be clinched.

It additionally coincided with heightened pressure between regional arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia over the civil battle in Yemen, through which they help opposing sides.

U.S. Navy ships started accompanying U.S.-flagged industrial vessels by the Strait of Hormuz on April 30. Iranian ships shadowed the U.S.-flagged Maersk Kensington on April 24. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul in London and Sabina Zawadzki in Copenhagen; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Toby Chopra)