US-sanctioned Tinos I owners slam Vitol lawsuit as attempt to ‘force’ vessel’s sale
- Owners of Tinos I said in a court filing that Vitol is ‘seeking to take advantage’ of the sanctions designations ‘to force the sale of the vessel and then buy it at auction’
- Court’s orders for arrest and attachment of the vessel should be vacated as these are prohibited without explicit authorisation from Ofac, the lawyers argued
- Vitol filed a lawsuit against Pearl and Tinos I in July claiming $1.8m in prepaid bunkers and overpaid hire, leading to the vessel’s arrest
Owners of the Houston-stranded LPG carrier Tinos I are seeking to vacate the vessel’s maritime arrest and attachment ordered by a judge earlier this month, arguing they are not permissible absent an authorisation from Ofac. They have also accused plaintiffs Vitol of seeking a forced sale of the vessel
