Iranian Forces Board Liberian-Flagged Tanker

August 13 ------ In the latest salvo of the ongoing disputes regarding the shipment of Iranian oil, there are reports that Iranian Naval forces approached several vessels and boarded a Liberian-flagged tanker Wila as it was approaching the Khor Fakkan anchorage in the UAE. The marine security firm Dryad Global reported the incident while also saying according to its analysis that, “Iran’s actions today do not raise the overall risk posed by vessels within either the Gulf of Oman or Strait of Hormuz.” In an update to its initial report, using data from TankerTracker, Dryad however later added details suggesting that Iranian forces also approached the Marshal Island flagged MT Freud and the Panama flagged MT Chemway Arrow prior to boarding the Wila.

This evening the U.S Central Command released a video of the boarding saying that, “In international waters, Iranian forces, including two ships and an Iranian Sea King helicopter, overtook and boarded a ship called the Wila.” The U.S. video confirms Dryad’s report that “Iranian Naval assets may have used aviation assets to board the Wila.” At the time of the incident, the 8000 DWT tanker was believed to be 23 nautical miles northwest of the Khor Fakkan Anchorage but later proceeded into the port. Dryad’s analysis suggests that the vessel may have been targeted as it is managed by a Greek shipping company that may have had other direct or indirect dealing with Iran regarding the shipment of oil.

The United States had recently been increasing its pressure on shipping companies working with Iran and sanctioned a large number of vessels, including several managed by Greek shipping companies for their dealings with Iran. In June, the Union of Greek Shipowners had met with the United States and promised better cooperation with the sanctions and as a result was able to get ships removed from the blacklist. Dryad is speculating that Iran “has waited for an opportune moment when it can respond…. In targeting this vessel, Iran has potentially sought to send a clear message to vessels, which decide to renege on their willingness to partake in, or facilitate, economic activities linked to the nation.”

Source: maritime-executive.com