The Stena Impero vessel has been released, Erik Hanell, president and CEO of Stena Bulk, has confirmed.

The Stena Impero vessel has been released, Erik Hanell, president and CEO of Stena Bulk, confirmed in a statement posted on the company’s website on Saturday.

“We are delighted to report that this afternoon the Stena Impero safely docked in Dubai,” Hanell said in the statement.

“We met with all the crew and I am pleased to confirm they are in good spirits and looking forward to a well-deserved extended leave ashore,” he added.

“The sole concern and focus of Stena Bulk & Northern Marine Management throughout this worrying period has been for the safety of the crew and their timely release. Our support for them and their families will continue for as long as is required,” Hanell continued.

The Stena Bulk President and CEO went on to state that the vessel is in good condition and added that the ship will have “a period of time in Dubai, where checks will be made before she re-enters service”.

Back in July, UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt revealed that the UK was “very concerned” about the safety and welfare of the 23 crew members of the seized Stena Impero vessel.

Speaking to media after a ministerial COBR meeting on July 20, the foreign secretary said the seizure of the vessel was “totally and utterly unacceptable” and added that the development raises “very serious” questions about the security of British and international shipping in the Straits of Hormuz.

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