Iran Frees Greek-Owned Tanker St. Nikolas Seized Since January 2024

Iran has reportedly released the Greek-owned oil tanker St. Nikolas, which had been detained since January 2024, according to maritime intelligence firm Tanker Trackers. The move appears to conclude the prolonged detention linked to previous U.S. sanctions enforcement involving the same vessel.

The St. Nikolas, a Marshall Islands-flagged Suezmax tanker, was seized by Iranian forces while transiting the Gulf of Oman with Iraqi crude oil destined for Turkey. At the time, Iranian state media cited a court order for the seizure, though it was widely perceived as retaliation against earlier U.S. actions.

Tanker Trackers confirmed the release on Monday, although Iranian authorities have not officially commented.

The tanker’s detention followed its earlier seizure by the U.S. in April 2023, when it operated under the name Suez Rajan. That action, in the South China Sea, involved over 980,000 barrels of Iranian crude linked to the IRGC. U.S. authorities noted that the seizure occurred after the vessel’s charterer, Suez Rajan Limited, pled guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Under a deferred prosecution agreement, Greece-based Empire Navigation agreed to transport the Iranian oil to the United States for physical seizure and cover the voyage costs. The tanker remained off the Texas coast for over two and a half months before unloading the cargo.

Following the U.S. seizure, Iranian officials warned of retaliatory measures. Shortly after, Iranian naval and IRGC forces detained several foreign-linked vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, including the tanker Advantage Sweet, carrying cargo for U.S. oil major Chevron, and the tanker Niovi. While the Advantage Sweet was later released, Iran continues to hold the Niovi with limited explanation.