Maersk to Pay for Release of Seized Ship?
There have been reports that members of the crew of the cargo ship Maersk Tigris that had been detained by Iranian authorities, have been released Wednesday.
The statement was made by the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham, as quoted by AFP information agency.
She noted that all people on board are in ‘’good health’’ and can receive counselor services immediately if needed. Ms Afkhim added that the ship could be immediately released if ‘’its overdue debt is settled’’.
But Maersk Line and Rickmers Shipmanagement have both denied reports that Maersk Tigris has been released. The crew members remain onboard the vessel for the time being.
Progress is being made however, Maersk has today given a “letter of undertaking” to Iranian authorities that relates to the 10-year-old cargo claim in question, which could indicate the company’s intention to pay the $10m fine for the vessel’s release.
However, Iranian authorities maintained that the detained Maersk Tigris will be freed within two days after a fine is paid.
“Based on the information we have acquired, it is likely that the dispute will be settled within next two days,” Marzieh Afkham told press.
“This is an absolutely legal matter,” she said. “The ship has a private plaintiff and there was a lawsuit in progress against it. The vessel was seized as it entered Iran’s territorial waters.”
Negotiations are currently ongoing and both sides have expressed the hope that the issue will be settled in the upcoming day or two.
The Maersk Tigris was seized on April 28 after Iran claimed the 837-foot container ship ventured into Iranian waters in the Strait of Hormuz, defense officials said.
