Maersk reports ‘constructive’ talks with Iran over seized containership

Crew on Maersk Tigris remains safe and are in good spirits, according to the Danish ocean carrier.    Danish ocean carrier Maersk Line said it had a “constructive dialogue” with Iranian courts and Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization on Wednesday about the arrest of the Maersk Tigris last week.
   “Earlier today, we provided a letter of undertaking in relation to the underlying cargo case,” Maersk said in a statement.
   Maersk said according to the latest update from Rickmers Shipmanagement, which operates the chartered ship, “the crew of Maersk Tigris remains safe and in good spirits. We are continuing to do everything we can to assist in the safe release of the crew and vessel.”
   The Maersk Tigris was fired upon and seized by Iranian authorities while passing through the Strait of Hormuz last week.
   Iran’s FARS news agency quoted Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, who said the Marshall Islands-flagged Maersk Tigris, would be freed after Maersk compensates the Iranian company that has filed a lawsuit against it.
   That company, Pars Tala’eyeh Oil Products Company, has threatened to sell the vessel unless Maersk pays $10 million for losses it allegedly suffered in a cargo dispute over a decade ago.