Iran releases captured Maersk cargo ship

All crew members are reportedly in a good condition, a company spokesperson said

File image of a Maersk container ship, the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller, as it passes below the Storebaelts Bridge in Denmark (AP)

A container ship seized by Iran last week has been released by authorities with all crew members reported to be in good condition following their capture.

The Maersk Tigris was released following an Iranian court order, Rickmers Ship management confirmed, adding that all 24 crew members and the cargo were expected to arrive in Jebel Ali, in the United Arab Emirates, late tonight.

The Marshall Island-flagged vessel was intercepted and captured by Iranian patrol boats on 28 April.

The last known location of the MV Maersk Tigris prior to its capture

The capture followed an Iranian company’s a long-running claim that the world’s largest shipping company in the world owed them money.

An Iranian court ordered Maersk to pay Pars Oil Products $3.6m after the private company alleged that Maersk failed to deliver a cargo.

A Maersk company spokesperson declined to comment on whether any money had been paid to the Iranian company.

This despite a statement from Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization which claimed the government had “ensured the provision of a letter of guarantee for the enforcement of the judicial decision".

Additional reporting by Associated Press