Iran Releases Tanker seized in strait of Hormuz, Ship manager reports
TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have released a Marshall Islands-flagged fuel tanker seized in the Strait of Hormuz five days prior, according to vessel manager Columbia Shipmanagement. The release comes as a point of potential easing in regional tensions following a recent period of conflict.
The Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement stated that all 21 crew members of the Talara are “safe and in good spirits” and the vessel is now “free to resume normal operations.” iranian officials have yet to publicly confirm the release.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) initially intercepted the Talara on saturday, alleging it was carrying “unauthorised cargo” in violation of the law. however, Columbia Shipmanagement reported that “no allegations were made against the vessel, her crew and the vessel’s managers and owners” prior to Wednesday morning’s release.
The Talara was en route to Singapore from the United arab Emirates, carrying a cargo of high-sulphur gasoil, when it was seized approximately 20 nautical miles (37km) off the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan and taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
The Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf are critical waterways for global energy supplies, with roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas passing through the region. The IRGC has a history of periodically seizing tankers and cargo vessels in these waters. This incident marks the first such seizure since the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June.
