Hong Kong has joined the growing number of countries turning the screws on Iran, with the latest move to kick 19 Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)-linked bulkers off its register, accordingto reports, Seatrade Asia online reports.
The reports cited a letter from the Hong Kong Marine Department (HKMD) which showed that the authority had given notice to the owners of the 19 ships to stop using its flag. "As it is of paramount importance to HKMD in safeguarding the quality of Hong Kong ships, HKMD has
therefore taken action already in notifying the owners of these 19 ships for the closure of the registration in Hong Kong within 90 days
beginning from the date of the notice being served," SF Wong, the Hong Kong Shipping Register's general manager, was cited as saying in the
letter. "Whether or not these 19 ships and the associated companies are acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, IRISL would be a
question of fact."
Hong Kong had been urged by US group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) to stop flagging the 19 ships, which it said were owned, managed or operated by IRISL and its front companies.
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