Detention of Ships Smuggling Oil from Iraq

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