The Palau Ship Registry (PSR) has formally rejected media reports linking the tanker Marivex to its flag at the time of a naval incident off the coast of Oman, according to Ship & Bunker.
The clarification came via an email statement issued by the PSR on Wednesday, following reports that US forces struck the vessel on Monday, June 8, 2026, after alleging it had transited international waters in the Gulf of Oman on a course toward Iran, in alleged breach of a US blockade on vessels entering or leaving the country.
Vessel Removed from Register Months Earlier
According to Ship & Bunker, the PSR stated that the Marivex — formerly known as Arihant — was deleted from the Palau register on March 6, 2026, and that a Certificate of Closure of Registry was issued on that date.
“Accordingly, on 8 June 2026, the date referenced in the relevant reports, the vessel did not hold valid registration certificates issued by the Republic of Palau,” the registry said, as quoted by Ship & Bunker.
The PSR confirmed it has informed relevant authorities and provided documentation supporting the vessel’s deletion from its register, while reiterating its commitment to the integrity and accuracy of Palau flag registration records.
Second Tanker Also Targeted
Ship & Bunker also reports that US forces struck a second tanker, the Settebello, in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday. US Central Command identified that vessel as Palau-flagged, though no further details or registry response regarding the Settebello were included in the report at the time of publication.
Does This Matter to You?
The incident raises important questions around flag state accountability and vessel registration transparency — issues that carry weight across the maritime industry at large. When naval forces or regulatory bodies misidentify a vessel’s flag state, it can affect everything from incident reporting and liability to port state control responses and insurance assessments.
For those operating in or routing vessels through the Gulf of Oman, this situation serves as a reminder of the operational and reputational risks tied to the region, and of the importance of maintaining clear and current documentation of a vessel’s registration status. Registry changes, deletions, and flag transfers need to be accurately reflected across all operational and publicly available records to avoid misidentification in high-stakes incidents.
The broader context — involving US military action against tankers accused of breaching a blockade on Iran — signals a heightened risk environment in waters that remain critical to global energy and cargo flows.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
