The Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) has released the seized Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel Maersk Tigris.

The release came after necessary judicial permission was received, with the cooperation of other enforcement and operational bodies.

A statement published on the organisation’s website said: “The PMO conferred with the Maersk Shipping Line and ensured the provision of a letter of guarantee for the enforcement of the judicial decision in this respect in the framework of mutual cooperation between the two countries, and the confidence to the good will of transport entities in fulfilling their obligations towards their clients.”

“The ship was seized when it entered Iranian waters heading inbound in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Maersk Tigris had been arrested by the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps navy vessels under the final judicial order in a legal case between Pars Talaeeyeh Company and Maersk Shipping Line.

The ship was seized when it entered Iranian waters heading inbound in the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea.

Maersk Tigris sent out a distress call as an Iranian Navy ship fired shots across its bridge and personnel boarded the vessel.

The US has full authority and responsibility for security and defence of the Marshall Islands under amended contract that came into force in 2004.