Victims of the 11 September 2001 US terror attacks have filed court applications for the seizure of an alleged Iranian oil cargo on board a Greek suezmax.
The two cases have been launched in the US in a bid to win an order from a US district court judge in Manhattan relating to the barrels on board Empire Navigation's managed 159,000-dwt Suez Rajan (built 2011).
One of the applications names as a respondent Oaktree Capital Management, which finances the ship through its UK Fleetscape division.
The 9/11 families want the cash from any sale of the oil to go towards a $3.61bn 2018 judgment against Iran for providing support to terror group al-Qaeda. Iran denies this.
The families allege the vessel is carrying up to 1m barrels of Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions.
The last AIS update from the Suez Rajan showed it underway off Indonesia on 13 March.
Its destination is listed as “China for orders”.
Oaktree has been contacted for comment. Empire Navigation told TradeWinds it was aware of the court action, but is not part of it.
Pressure group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) claims the oil was transhipped on to the Suez Rajan from another tanker on 13 February.
Sales proceeds would amount to just 3% of the $3.61bn judgment.
Under investigation
The Southern District Court cases are Hoglan et al v Oaktree Capital Management and In re Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.
UANI said that on 3 March, Fleetscape officials confirmed receipt of UANI’s inquiry and concerns, but provided no material update on the matter.
The group wants the tanker to head to a US port for enforcement proceedings.
The cargo was originally loaded at Iran’s Kharg Island terminal on 22 January, UANI believes.
Fleetscape has said the Suez Rajan is operated by Empire Navigation, and that it had no role in the vessel's activities.
Taking the matter seriously
Stamatis Molaris’ Empire has said it is investigating the allegations.
Empire added in February: “We take these allegations very seriously and will work with the authorities to investigate this matter.”
Oaktree has previously said it cooperating with US government investigators to conduct a thorough investigation.
Class society ABS and the UK P&I Club have also committed to joining the probe.
