Iraq Navy Detains Liberian-flagged Oil Tanker in Crackdown on Fuel Smuggling

Iraq’s navy has taken a significant step in combating fuel smuggling in its territorial waters by detaining a Liberian-flagged oil tanker. This move comes as part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities at sea, particularly in the Gulf region where fuel smuggling is prevalent.

According to sources within the navy, as well as the oil and transport ministries, the detained vessel, identified as the Liliana tanker, was intercepted while carrying 93,000 metric tons of fuel oil. The interception took place approximately 26 nautical miles from Iraq’s coast near Basra’s oil terminal.

Recent footage released by Reuters shows an armed Iraqi military team boarding and inspecting the vessel earlier this week. The crew members were questioned, and their passports were checked as part of the investigation. Another ship was also stopped and searched during the operation.

Farhan Al-Fartousi, head of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, emphasized the government’s commitment to combatting smuggling activities at sea. He stated that any vessels engaging in suspicious activities within Iraqi territorial waters would be detained, and those found guilty would face arrest.

Authorities suspect that the fuel oil onboard the Liliana tanker may be of Iraqi origin and potentially being smuggled out of the country. The vessel will remain in its current location until its papers are processed and referred to the judiciary for further action.

The ship manager of the Liliana, listed as Dubai-headquartered Babylon Navigation in shipping databases, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident. The vessel’s last known position was off the Iraqi coast, with its previous destination listed as the Iraqi port of Khor Al Zubair.

This recent detention follows a similar incident in March when Iraqi naval forces seized another unidentified ship in Iraqi territorial waters suspected of fuel smuggling. These actions demonstrate Iraq’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws and protecting its resources.

As the investigation into the Liliana tanker unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by fuel smuggling in the region and the importance of maritime security measures to combat such illegal activities.

(Source: Reuters)