Stena Bulk confirms that they communicated with the crew of the Iranian-seized Stena Impero. This follows the company’s decision on asking permission from the Iranian authorities to visit the crew members.
According to the statement, the Master advised the company that everyone was safe with good cooperation with the Iranian personnel onboard.
Erik Hanell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk informed
We do of course appreciate this step of development and that this is a first sign that we will soon see more positive progress from the Iranian authorities.
The family members of the crew are being updated on the development and will keep on having the company’s support.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
Overall, the tension in Strait of Hormuz peaked after the UK arrested the Indian Captain and Chief Officer of theIranian tanker ‘Grace 1’, a few days after the ship was seized suspected of breaching EU sanctions by shipping oil to Syria.
Following this event, Iran seized Stena Impero, leading a part of the shipping sector addressing that this was an act of retaliation and an act against international shipping laws.
