Denmark seized an Iranian cargo ship
Danish authorities have seized an Iranian cargo ship called Nora in the Kattegat Strait between Denmark and Sweden due to its incorrect registration.
Danish authorities have taken control of an Iranian cargo ship named Nora, which had been anchored for approximately 25 days in the Kattegat Strait between Denmark and Sweden. Reports from Danish media outlet TV2 indicate that the 226-meter vessel was initially sailing under the flag of Comoros but began operating under the Iranian flag earlier this week. The Danish Maritime Authority has confirmed the seizure, citing incorrect registration as the reason for the action.
The authorities revealed that the state of Comoros had informed Denmark that the ship was not actually registered in their country. The open maritime data suggests the vessel may have departed from St. Petersburg, highlighting concerns regarding its operational history over the past year. Notably, the Nora has reportedly transited Danish waters ten times, ceasing to transmit its location data whenever approaching St. Petersburg, raising suspicions about its activities and compliance with maritime regulations.
This incident underscores ongoing issues related to the navigation and registration of vessels, particularly those flagged under nations with complex maritime histories. The Danish actions can be seen as part of broader regional and international efforts to maintain the integrity of maritime laws and regulations, especially in areas where vessel movements may have geopolitical implications, including the fluctuating relationships with Iran.