Rickmers Representative Boards Seized Containership

Rickmers Group reports that a representative of its company today has been allowed to board the seized container vessel Maersk Tigris, following an urgent request to Iranian authorities.

The seized ship, managed by Rickmers Shipmanagement (Singapore), has a crew of 24 seafarers. The Rickmers representative has been able to establish that all seafarers are safe and on board the vessel. Given the current circumstances they are all in a good condition, the ship’s manager said.

Maersk Tigris was seized by the Iranian Navy on Tuesday April 28 and has since been under control of the authorities.

Iranian officials said the seizure is related to a cargo dispute with Maersk Line, the charterers of the vessel, which dates back to 2005. Rickmers stressed that Maersk Line is not the owner of Maersk Tigris and has no involvement in the day-to-day-operation of the vessel.  

“We would like to emphasize that we take our responsibilities as an international service provider to the shipping industry very seriously complying with all applicable laws and regulations as we have done on our scheduled commercial voyage from Jeddah to Jebel Ali,” the Rickmers Group said. “As we believe our crew, the vessel and our company have no part in the current issue between Iran and Maersk Line we see no valid reason for the detention of the ship and would therefore like to do an urgent and strong appeal to the Iranian authorities for the immediate release of our seafarers and the vessel.”

Rickmers added it will continue to liaise with relevant international authorities and advisors to reach a resolution.