Us Maritime Liaison Office News

The U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) in Bahrain issued an Advisory stating that the coalition leadership in Iraq is in the process of establishing procedures for detention and possible confiscation of ships, and for legal action against the participants, involved in smuggling oil from Iraq. Only oil legally purchased from the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) is authorized for export. Any ship transporting illegal Iraqi oil is subject to seizure and detention by coalition naval forces. The vessel may be subject to forfeiture in accordance with Iraqi law. Legal action may also be taken against ship owners, operators, and others involved in the smuggling. MARLO Advisory Bulletin 24-03 Source: HK Law

The U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) issued an Advisory stating that an exclusion zone has been established in Iraqi waters within 2,000 meters of the Khawr al Amaya and al Basrah offshore oil terminals. In addition, the right of innocent passage has been temporarily suspended in the same waters. Only oil tankers and support vessels authorized by terminal operators or coalition maritime security forces are allowed to enter the exclusion zones. Vessels attempting to enter the exclusion zones without authorization may be subject to defensive measures, including use of deadly force. Warning zones have also been established extending 3,000 meters from the outer edge of the two oil terminals. MARLO Advisory 06-04 (HK Law).

The U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) in Bahrain issued an Advisory reminding shippers and owners and operators of ships transporting cargo to Iraqi ports that HYDROPAC 205/2002 and 206/2002 remain in effect. In particular, Coalition boarding teams have noted an increase in the number of shipments not conforming to the requirement for unhindered access to cargo for at-sea inspection. Vessels not in compliance with applicable requirements may be denied access to Iraqi ports. MARLO Advisory 10-04 (HK Law).