Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management released an announcement demanding to be granted access to the vessel ‘Stena Impero’ to conduct a full assessment. However, they are still waiting for a response from Iranian authorities.
Following a letter from Iranian authorities to the United Nations Security Council describing alleged violations of international rules and regulations, including an unconfirmed collision, Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management demanded to gain access to ‘Stena Impero’ to carry out a full assessment. The companies are now waiting for a response from Iranian authorities to their request.
They also stated that there is no current evidence the ship has breached any maritime rules or regulations, and they supported ‘the professionalism and conduct of the crew of the Stena Impero.’
The crew members remain in good health and continue to have limited contact with family members, who we continue to support during this difficult time. We hope this situation can be resolved swiftly and will continue to hold an open dialogue with all involved governments and authorities to secure the release of the crew and vessel
However, the two companies are worried about the possible impact a prolonged period of uncertainty will have on the welfare of both crew and their families.
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A few days ago, Stena Bulk confirmed 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 on board.
The tension in Strait of Hormuz peaked after the UK arrested the Indian Captain and Chief Officer of the Iranian 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.
