A Singapore-flagged oil products tanker fired at by Iranian craft on Thursday had previously collided with an Iranian oil drilling platform in March and efforts have since been made to resolve the issue, the owner said on Friday.
The Alpine Eternity was attacked by a number of small craft in international waters.
The owner South Maritime Pte Ltd and manager Transpetrol said in a joint statement that the tanker collided with an uncharted object on March 21 in the Middle East Gulf, which was later identified as an Iranian jacket platform causing no pollution or injuries to crew.
“Since the March 21 incident, there has been a continuous dialogue between the owners/drilling contractor of the offshore structure, and representatives of the vessel and their liability insurers,” they said in the statement.
“Owners and managers can see no reason why the Iranian authorities should try to seize the vessel, given the advanced state of negotiations and ongoing dialogue with the Iranian counterparts.”
The statement said in ordinary circumstances insurers would be able to post security on behalf of the owner, but Western sanctions imposed on Iran including banking measures had made this difficult.
“This has been discussed in full with the Iranian counterparts,” the statement added. “The owners, managers and the liability insurers are committed to resolving these issues once all necessary clearances have been obtained from the appropriate authorities in the UK and USA.”

Tanker attacked by Iranian craft collided with Iran oil platform in March

Owner South Maritime Pte Ltd and manager Transpetrol said in a joint statement that the tanker collided with an uncharted object on March 21. (Photo courtesy: Transpetrol)
London, Reuters
Friday 15 May 2015
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:45 - GMT 06:45
DAY | WEEK |
-
15870 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
2517 Views Coronavirus: Police detain 100 in Amsterdam after protest over lockdown, curfew
-
1482 Views Israel talks tough on Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas: Our response to be extreme in next war
-
631 Views German court blocks return of two refugees to Greece, citing risks facing them
-
447 Views Saudi Arabia’s FII confirms speakers, details for fourth annual forum
-
385 Views Grazing cows lead to squabble on Lebanese-Israeli border
-
24093 Views Coronavirus: Dubai temporarily postpones Pfizer vaccine campaign amid global shortage
-
19780 Views Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest 3 trillion riyals over next 10 years: Crown Prince
-
15870 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
10131 Views The American University of Beirut’s battle for survival
-
8853 Views Full moon to align directly above Kaaba in Mecca on Jan. 28
-
8455 Views Coronavirus: Dubai restaurants offer discounts for vaccinated diners
SHOW MORE