Stena Impero Could Soon Be Released, Iran Said

The British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero could be released after finalization of legal proceeding against the vessel, Reuters cited the Iranian state television.

The country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi reportedly said that he hopes “the procedures will be completed soon and this tanker will be released.”

The ship was detained near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations in July, only weeks after the Royal Marines and Gibraltar authorities seized the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1, previously named Grace 1, due to suspicions of violating EU sanctions on Syria.

Just last week, Iran released seven of the 23 Stena Impero crew members after the ship’s owner, Stena Bulk, requested the removal of non-essential personnel.

“We view this communication as a positive step on the way to the release of all the remaining crew, which has always been our primary concern and focus,” Erik Hanell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk, earlier said.

Sixteen crew members will remain on board according to the vessel’s Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC).

Stena Impero remains at anchor at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

World Maritime News Staff