An Iranian-flagged tanker seized by Greece in April, a part of whose cargo was confiscated by america, was being towed to the port of Piraeus on Saturday, Greek coast guard officers stated, after Greek authorities authorised its launch.
For over two months the Iranian-flagged Lana, previously Pegas, has been anchored off the Greek island of Evia in a diplomatic deadlock which has strained Athens’ relations with Tehran amid rising tensions between Iran and the US.
“It left Karystos at 06:30 a.m. (03:30 GMT) and is anticipated to succeed in Piraeus round 10:00 pm,” one official stated.
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Greek authorities in April impounded Lana and its oil cargo with 19 Russian crew members on board close to the coast of Evia, as a result of sanctions following a authorized motion by america.
The ship was later launched as a result of issues concerning its possession, however a part of the Iranian oil cargo had already been transferred to a different ship, Ice Power, which was employed by america and is moored off Piraeus port.
The elimination of oil from the Lana prompted Iranian forces final month to grab two Greek tankers within the Center East Gulf and sail them again to Iran after Tehran warned it could take “punitive motion” towards Athens.
Following an enchantment by an Iranian firm on June 7, a Greek judicial panel overturned the preliminary courtroom order that allowed the confiscation of the cargo on behalf of america.
That call has cleared the best way for Lana to retrieve the cargo that was transferred to Ice Power.
Till final week nonetheless Lana, which nonetheless has engine issues, was being detained by one other firm as a result of money owed owed for towing providers. It was formally launched after the quantity owed was paid off, authorized sources advised Reuters.
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