Maersk Meets In Iran – No Progress In Vessel Arrest - Maritime and Salvage Wolrd News

COPENHAGEN, May 4 (Reuters) – Maersk Line mentioned on Monday it had met once more with the Ports & Maritime Organization (PMO) in Iran concerning the seizure of the vessel Maersk Tigris however has but to obtain any official paperwork from Iranian authorities.

The Maersk Tigris was seized final Tuesday by Iranian patrol boats within the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the United States to ship vessels to watch the state of affairs in addition to to accompany U.S.-flagged vessels passing by way of the strait.

Maersk mentioned its consultant met Iranian PMO officers, whereas the Danish ambassador in Iran met with officers from the Iranian ministry of overseas affairs. However, little progress appeared to have been made.

“We have yet to receive any written notifications (court ruling, arrest order or similar) pertaining to the seizure of Maersk Tigris or the cargo case,” Maersk wrote in a press release.

Iran has mentioned the seizure issues a years-old case over uncollected cargo. Maersk has acknowledged the case however says it has not obtained the most recent paperwork from a latest ruling.

The Maersk Tigris isn’t owned by the Danish transport firm. Maersk had chartered the vessel, which in response to ship operator Rickmer Shipmanagement is owned by undisclosed non-public traders.

Maersk repeated that the crew and the vessel ought to be launched instantly.

The incident occurred at a important juncture in U.S.-Iranian relations, which may thaw ought to a tentative nuclear deal between Tehran and 6 world powers together with Washington be clinched. It additionally coincides with heightened stress between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia over the civil warfare in Yemen, during which they help opposing sides.

The Iranian Embassy mentioned in a press release on Thursday the vessel would solely be let go as soon as the debt case was settled. (Reporting by Ole Mikkelsen; Editing by Sabina Zawadzki and Janet Lawrence)