Two Iranian bulkers have been stuck in Brazil for weeks after Petrobras refused to refuel them.
The 53,600-dwt Bavand (built 2008) and the 75,000-dwt Termeh (built 2001) arrived two months ago with cargoes of urea, Reuters reported.
They were due to load corn, according to the port operator in Paranagua. This would not be covered by US sanctions, but urea is.
AIS data shows them anchored at the port on Friday.
Petrobras confirmed it had declined to fuel the ships and cited the sanctions.
"The vessels were included by the United States in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN)," it said in a statement.
The operator of the bulkers is listed as Rahbaran Omid Darya Shipping Management of Tehran.
Reuters reported the owner as Iranian state-owned company Sapid Shipping, which has not commented.
