Two shipowner groups have called for the release of two Greece-flag vessels and their crews that were seized by Iran as they urged respect for freedom of navigation in the Middle East Gulf.
The joint statement by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) called for a quick diplomatic resolution of the drama.
As TradeWinds has reported, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps seized Delta Tankers’ 157,400-dwt Delta Poseidon (built 2011) and Polembros Shipping’s 150,000-dwt Prudent Warrior (built 2017) on Friday.
“Our industry is an international one, and it is vital for our seafarers to not become pawns in political games,” said ICS secretary general Guy Platten. “The safety and welfare of the crew and vessels remain the priority and it is important to safeguard them against such incidents.”
Iran’s official maritime body, the Ports & Maritime Organization, said on Saturday that the two tankers were seized because of unspecified “maritime violations”. It added that the issue was under investigation “based on evidence and documents”.
But the targeting of the two vessels is widely believed to be a reprisal against Greek authorities after they allowed an Iranian oil cargo on board the Iran-flag, 115,400-dwt aframax Lana (built 2013) to be transferred to the US.
“We follow with great concern the unacceptable seizure of two Greek ships in the Persian Gulf,” said ECSA secretary general Sotiris Raptis, who invoked the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
“Freedom of navigation under Unclos and the right of our seafarers to perform their duties safely are key principles that must be respected.”
