Iran has agreed to release the crew of the tanker St Nikolas, which it seized in January 2024, following a U.S. court’s action in 2023 that led to the confiscation of the vessel’s crude oil cargo. The agreement facilitates the return of the first batch of Filipino seafarers this weekend, with additional crew members expected to follow later in March. Filipino Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Eduardo Jose de Vega, stated that nine crew members are set to arrive in Manila, and after one Filipino had already returned in February, six remain aboard the tanker.
The St Nikolas was originally seized by Iranian forces on January 11, 2024, near Sohar, Oman. Prior to its seizure, the tanker was embroiled in legal disputes in the U.S. under its former name, Suez Rajan. The vessel had set sail from Iraq and was headed to Turkey, operating under a Greek management company, Empire Navigation, with a crew comprising primarily Filipino sailors.
While Iran maintains that the crew members are not hostages but employees of the tanker, it has agreed to the Philippine government’s demands for their release upon the completion of their contracts. Reports indicate that the manning agency offered to increase the crew’s salaries during their time in Iran, although one crew member opted to leave early. The latest discussions suggest that the tanker will remain under Iranian custody until court proceedings clarify the fate of the ship and its cargo.
In addition to the St Nikolas, Iran has reported it is holding several other tankers, including the Advantage Sweet, with a total of around 90 crew members across multiple vessels. The situation underlines the complexities of maritime disputes and international relations in the region, especially concerning oil transport and legal jurisdiction. As the remaining crew members prepare to be replaced by non-Filipinos, the new arrivals will be fully aware of the precarious circumstances surrounding their deployment, which are marked by ongoing geopolitical tensions.
