Greek company refuses bunkers to Iranian tanker

Greek bunker supplier Sekavin S.A. (Sekavin) has refused to refuel an Iranian-owned tanker due to a European Union (EU) embargo imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme, Reuters reports.

The Baikal, owned by National Iranian Tanker Co. (NITC), was flying the Tanzanian flag when it tried load bunkers at the Greek island of Syros.

"We conducted an initial investigation in order not to break the law," a Sekavin official told Reuters. "In the end, we did not provide them with any fuel because it would be against the rules.

"Regardless of its flag, the ship represents Iranian interests." A senior NITC official said Sekavin's decision was not surprising. "We never fuel in Europe," he said. "We know European companies do not provide fuel."

Tanzania said in August that, under pressure by the U.S., it would de-register 36 Iranian ships.

NITC has sent tankers to South Korea this fall, but has also apparently sought to avoid sanctions by using foreign companies to move oil to other markets.