Maersk ship to be released after dispute settlement: Iranian embassy

A cargo vessel seized by Iran on Tuesday will be released after settlements of debts by Maersk Shipping Line, the Iranian embassy in Denmark said in a statement on Thursday.

"The action by Iranian authorities has been based on the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and in accordance with international laws and norms," the embassy said in the statement published on its website.

On Tuesday, the Marshall Islands-flagged ship, operated by Singapore-based Rickmers Ship Management, was seized and boarded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The vessel, the Maersk Tigris , was carrying cargo for Maersk Shipping Line, the shipping unit of Danish group A.P. Moeller-Maersk.

According to the embassy, the vessel is a commercial cargo ship and it was seized based on a court ruling following private litigation for debts owed to Iranian companies.

"Over the years the judicial process had run its course during which the parties to the dispute had attended multiple court sessions, presented evidence and even appealed against preliminary court decisions," the embassy said.

"A final verdict, including conviction to pay compensation was issued against Maersk Shipping Line earlier this year," the embassy said.

It stressed that there had been no political or security intentions behind the incident. "The seizure of the ship was solely an enforcement of a judicial court ruling resulting from a commercial dispute between two private parties."

The embassy said the crew of the ship are safe and are being well looked after. "There is no limitation to consular access to them and this will be granted in case of need or request."

The Danish Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it expected that Iran would honor its international obligations. Endit