Stena Impero leaves Iran bound for the UAE

Seventy days since it was detained, the Stena Impero has finally left Bandar Abbas port today, with AIS tracking suggesting the Stena Bulk tanker is headed to Port Rashid in the United Arab Emirates, a half-day’s steaming away.

The Stena Bulk vessel was detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 for alleged marine violations two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian VLCC off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August.

Erik Hanell, president and CEO of Stena Bulk said today: “The vessel has left the port of Bandar Abbas and is transiting to Dubai for the crew to disembark and receive medical checks and de-briefing. The families of crew members have been informed and the company is currently making arrangements for the repatriation of its valued seafarers at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Iran had earlier freed seven of the ship’s 23 crew members.