A Liberian-flagged oil tanker detained by Iraq’s navy last week has been released and is now heading toward the United Arab Emirates. The release followed a court ruling confirming that the vessel had committed no violations.
Interception and Cargo Details
The tanker, carrying 93,000 metric tons of fuel oil, was intercepted 26 nautical miles from Iraq’s coast near Basra’s oil terminal. The operation was part of routine maritime security measures in the Gulf, where authorities occasionally inspect vessels for compliance with regional regulations.
Court Decision and Broader Context
According to official documents and sources familiar with the matter, the court order determined that the tanker had not breached any laws, leading to its release.
While smuggling remains a common issue in Gulf waters where subsidized fuel from certain countries is often sold on the black market such detentions by Iraqi authorities have been relatively uncommon until recent months.
The release of the Liberian-flagged tanker underscores the role of judicial review in maritime enforcement actions. It also highlights the growing scrutiny of fuel transport in the Gulf, where regulatory compliance and anti-smuggling measures remain high priorities for regional authorities.
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Source: ZAWYA
