Iranian Seizure of Singapore Owned Maersk Tigris Due to Cargo Dispute

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday May 1, 2015

Maersk Thursday stated that Iran's seizure of the MV Maersk Tigris stems from a decade-long dispute over 10 shipping containers, The New York Times reports.

In 2005, 10 containers of oil drilling and production equipment were shipped by Maersk Line for Pars Talaee Oil Production Company (Pars Talaee), from Iran to the United Arab Emirates, but the cargo was never picked up after it arrived, explained Maersk.

In accordance with local law, the cargo was "disposed of" after 90 days by government authorities, sparking a legal battle between Pars Talaee and Maersk Line in several Iranian courts.

Maersk says on Thursday it was ordered to pay $3.6 million by an Iranian court.

"As we do not have the details of the ruling, we are not able to comment hereon, nor at this point speculate on our options," Maersk said of the relation of the ruling to the Maersk Tigris seizure.

"Naturally the ship will be released after settlements of debts by Maersk Line and will be allowed to sail to its final destination," stated the Embassy of Iran in Copenhagen on its website.

Maersk also noted the crew of the ship are "safe and are being well looked after."

"There is no limitation to consular access to them and this will be granted in case of need or request," it said.

The Maersk Tirgis was seized Tuesday.