Iraqi Navy Releases Detained Oil Tanker After Suspicion Of Fuel Smuggling

The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Liliana, detained by Iraqi forces last week on suspicion of fuel smuggling, has been released following a court order that found no breach of law.

AIS tracking data shows the 158,300 dwt vessel is now sailing at about 8 knots toward the United Arab Emirates after being held near Iraq’s southern coast for several days.

Iraqi naval forces had intercepted the tanker on August 6 about 26 nautical miles from Basra’s oil terminal. The ship, carrying 93,000 metric tons of fuel oil, was boarded by an armed inspection team on suspicious tanker activity in the Persian Gulf. Officials said three vessels were inspected that day.

Authorities initially detained Liliana after it failed to provide what they considered satisfactory cargo documentation. The vessel’s owners were given 48 hours to present proper papers or face court proceedings. The judiciary later ruled there was no violation and ordered the ship’s release.

The tanker is managed by Dubai-based Babylon Navigation DMCC, which operates a fleet of nine tankers. Shipping records show Liliana was sold in 2023 by India’s Great Eastern Shipping to a buyer registered in Dubai.

Under pressure from the United States, Iraq has stepped up tanker inspections amid allegations that Iranian oil is being blended with fuel from other countries to disguise its origin and bypass sanctions.

Iraqi authorities have also reported a rise in vessels manipulating their AIS signals and have published a list of ships barred from entering Iraqi waters over suspicious activity.

Iran has also intensified efforts to curb smuggling. Just a day before Liliana’s release, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of another tanker and detained its 17 crew members for prosecution. In April, an Iranian court sentenced several crew members to six years in prison for smuggling fuel out of the country.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News