Iran Frees Crew of Seized Tanker, Confiscates US-Owned Cargo

Iran has announced the release of the 17 crew members still on board the Empire Navigation suezmax tanker that was seized in January. The Greek manager of the vessel confirmed that 11 Filipino seafarers had been freed and were set to return to Manila, with the remaining six crew members expected to return once replacements arrive. The crew was praised for their behavior and resilience during the ordeal, and the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the news.

The tanker was seized in January with 18 Filipinos and one Greek cadet officer on board. The vessel was believed to have been held in retaliation for Empire’s cooperation with US actions to seize Iranian oil the ship was carrying when it was named Suez Rajan. Last week, Iranian authorities also moved to formally confiscate a US-owned cargo of crude on a suezmax they had hijacked nearly a year ago, the Advantage Sweet, in what was seen as further retaliation.

The tanker was intercepted by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman while carrying Kuwaiti crude for Chevron to Houston, Texas. The ruling to confiscate the cargo was issued by a Tehran court on international relations. The seizure was understood to be in response to the previous confiscation of Iranian oil carried by the Suez Rajan. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities of international maritime disputes.

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