Sweden frees sanctioned tanker after seven months

Swedish authorities have cleared an EU-sanctioned product tanker to leave the country after nearly seven months at anchor following an investigation into its registration and seaworthiness.

The Swedish Transport Agency has lifted an operating ban on the 2007-built, 75,000 dwt Sea Owl I, after confirming that the vessel is now legitimately registered in Equatorial Guinea.

The tanker had been detained off Trelleborg since March 12, when Swedish authorities boarded it over concerns about its flag status and documentation.

The ship was originally claiming registration in Comoros, which authorities found to be invalid. A subsequent attempt to establish registration under the Cameroon flag also failed verification.

The Swedish Transport Agency said it had now received confirmation directly from Equatorial Guinea and had reviewed the certificates and crew documentation required for the vessel to resume operations.

The decision removes the Swedish operating prohibition, although the tanker remains subject to EU sanctions.

Sweden’s coastguard stressed that the vessel was not suspected of breaching sanctions. Investigations involving two former masters, including allegations concerning false documentation, have been discontinued.

The Sea Owl I had arrived from Santos, Brazil, and was heading towards Russia’s Primorsk when Swedish authorities intervened.

The ship has previously traded petroleum products between Russia and Brazil.

The clearance comes as Sweden continues its campaign against vessels operating without verifiable flag-state oversight.

Another tanker, Jin Hui, remains under an operating ban off Trelleborg, while the general cargo vessel Caffa remains seized in connection with allegations that it transported grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

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