Iran has demanded $1 million as guarantee to release Desh Shanti , which was detained by Iranian naval authorities last week for allegedly causing marine pollution.

The Shipping Corporation of India-owned vessel, which is currently at the port of Bandar Abbas, has been subjected to repeated inspections (port state control) by the Iranian maritime authorities, an official said.

Apparently, the third round of inspection has found a minor fault in the alarm system of the ship’s engine room oil leak-control equipment, he said.

Iranian inspectors have recorded it as deficiency, though it was rectified immediately, the official said. Following this, India’s maritime administration has despatched surveyors to inspect the vessel.

According to information available, three surveyors of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) based in Dubai, have been asked to proceed to Iran.

Since the ship is also classed with the Lloyds Register, its surveyors are also likely to join the IRS team. India is expected to decide whether to furnish the $1 million guarantee to release the ship or wait for the inspection reports.

The ship, with oil cargo of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, has been held up there since last Tuesday.

According to officials, the ship was cleared by the port state control authorities of Iraq before loading the cargo from there. The Indian vessel was 85 nautical miles and 400 nautical miles away from the two areas where the Iranian authorities allegedly noticed the oil slick. The India oil tanker is double hull and in good condition.

SCI officials had already denied allegations that its ship has discharged oil ballast water to Iranian waters.

The way the Iranian naval guard detained the Indian ship has baffled many in shipping circles. Normally, if a ship is found guilty of causing oil pollution, the maritime authorities issue notices and initiate procedures for its inspection. In this case, it was the Iranian naval authorities who took control of the ship.

Shipping trade believes the SCI vessel is being detained on flimsy grounds. Even the demand of $1 million guarantee is seen as a “face-saving” strategy.

Meanwhile, an Iranian vessel was detained by Indian maritime authorities at Kandla port in Gujarat. No details could be gathered.

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