MARITIME: Empire Navigation Pleads Guilty of Violating US Oil Sanctions on Iran
By Our Correspondent
Athens-based shipping company Empire Navigation has pleaded guilty to violating US sanctions by transporting a cargo of Iranian oil on its Suezmax tanker, the “SUEZ RAJAN”, according to FlettMOn.
It stated: “As part of the resolution, the company has agreed to pay a $2.45 million fine, transport the sanctioned oil to a refinery in Houston, and undergo a three-year probationary period.
“The vessel was seized back in April during an oil transfer operation off the coast of Singapore. Subsequently, Empire Navigation entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the US, committing to transport the 800,000 barrels of illicit oil to the US for seizure and forfeiture.
“The company has admitted to intentionally concealing documents to obscure the origin of the Iranian oil found on board. The $2.45 million fine represents double the estimated profit the company would have made if it had completed the delivery of the oil.
“During this legal process, the vessel was rerouted to the US, spending several months in the Gulf of Mexico while authorities determined the appropriate course of action. This ship seizure elicited retaliation from Iran, which subsequently seized two tankers, one transporting oil for the US Company Chevron. In July, the senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps naval arm threatened further action against anyone offloading the Suez Rajan.”
