Rickmers to Iran – Your Beef is Not With Us

Maersk Tigris, photo (c) DPA/MarineTraffic.com

Rickmers Group, the company that has been operating the Maersk Tigris since 2005, released a statement this afternoon urging for the immediate release of their vessel by the Iranians.

“We would like to stress that Maersk Line is not the owner of Maersk Tigris and has no involvement in the day-to-day-operation of the vessel.”

“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 said.

The Maersk Tigris is not owned by Rickmers either, but rather a private investment group. As charterers, Maersk Line’s only involvement is the commercial direction of the vessel.

Information issued by the Ports & Maritime Organization in Iran and from media statements from Iranian officials indicate the seizure of the vessel is related to an alleged missing cargo claim from 2005 or earlier.

A representative of Rickmers was permitted today to board the vessel which is still at anchor at the port of Bandar Abbas. All 24 crew members are in good condition considering the circumstances, the company said.

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

Full story HERE.

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