H.E. Kitack Lim
Secretary-General,
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Subject: MT Lana (IMO No. 9256860) Under
Your Excellency, The Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO)
of the Islamic Republic of Iran presents its compliments to the
Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and has the
honor to draw the attention of the latter to a case of emergency regarding
maritime safety on the coasts of Greece.
On 21 May 2022, the tanker vessel MT Lana, IMO No. 9256860,
operating under the Iranian Flag, was being towed with no propulsion, off the
coasts of Greece when they faced bad weather, and was forced to seek a place of
safety at the Greek Port of Karystos, in order to ensure safety and resolve
technical problems. The Port Authority, however, has proceeded to arrest the
cargo of the tanker, owned by Iran, and plans to discharge the cargo by early
24 May
2022.
According to the provisions of international maritime
conventions under the auspices of IMO, as well as the customary practice, it
has been recommended and advised that states cooperate with one another to the
extent possible, in order to guarantee maritime safety and marine environment
protection in cases of emergency, and prevent any undue delay in the commercial
activities of vessels. It would therefore be great if the Secretary-General
could kindly communicate with the Government of Greece, in order to ensure the
required cooperation with regard to the mentioned vessel, so that the vessel
and cargo are released and allowed to resume their journey.
This administration avails itself of this opportunity to
renew to the Secretary General of IMO the assurances of its highest
consideration.
Best regards,
Dr. A. Safaei
Managing Director
Ports and Maritime Organization,