Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 30 – MT Strovolos would by now, in any event, have organized the prompt restoration of the crude oil to its rightful owner, Cambodia, and would desist from their attempts to extract money from Cambodia for matters that relate to disputes they may have with KrisEnergy, according to a media statement issued by Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy on Thursday.

“The crude oil cannot be the subject of any claim by the owners and managers of MT Strovolos as the crude oil does not belong to the charterer (Kris Energy). As has been emphasised, the crude oil is the property of the Kingdom of Cambodia. In any event, no claim under the charter agreement justifies or permits the unlawful departure of MT Strovolos from Cambodian waters and/or the misappropriation of the crude oil.”

The owners of MT Strovolos stated that they principally care about the welfare of their crew in their various press statements. This appears to be at odds with the fact that the crew have failed to respect the safety of life at sea as they had the vessel's AIS deactivated during various periods and because the crew had MT Strovolos leave Cambodian waters without authority or permission with the crude oil belonging to the Kingdom of Cambodia, the statement added.
=FRESH NEWS