Brazilian top court ordered the state-run oil company, Petrobras, to refuel the two Iranian grain vessels that have been stuck on the Brazilian coast because of the imposed US sanctions.
According to Reuters, Chief Justice, Dias Toffoli, changed a lower court ruling that enabled Petrobras, to refrain from fueling the vessels. Thus, the oil company is now obliged to fuel the Iranian vessels.
Overall, Petrobras denied the refuelling of the Iranian vessels, highlighting that the consequences of the US sanctions would be a risk for the company’s operations. However, this situation can be altered in the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling.
Reuters highlights that although that’s the legal process the company must follow, Petrobras might face serious consequences if it violates US sanctions.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
Toffoli stated that both Bavand and Termeh vessels are contracted to Brazilian company Eleva Química, which is not covered by US sanctions; So, the vessels are in the state of receiving the fuel and return to their service.
The vessels Bavand and Termeh are amongst the five Iranian vessels that transmit urea to Brazil and then sail back to Iran with corn. However, a fifth bulk carrier, Daryabar, was able to sail from Brazil, loaded with corn.
All five ships are on the U.S. sanctions list. The sanctions also bar trading of urea, but not food.
