Turkish-flagged general cargo ship Ahmet Akgul was arrested in the port Torre Annunziata, Italy, on November 9 due to an outstanding debt worth USD 300,000.
The arrest was ordered by local district court on behalf of an American bunkering company for unpaid bunkering services, local media reports said.
The court has scheduled a hearing for November 17th, until when the ship is to remain in custody.
According to local reports, a total of 12 members of the crew remain on board the ship, owned by Turkish Denizsam Gemi Isletmecilig TIC.
The company operates two ships, the 2010-built bulk carrier of 6,566 DWT, Ahmet Akgul, and MV Seyit Ali, also a bulk carrier, built in 2009.
The ship was en route from Ukraine’s port of Herson and passed through Istanbul before it arrived in Italian waters, where it was seized.
World Maritime News Staff