Introduction
Indonesia is set to auction the Iranian-flagged tanker Arman 114 on 2 December 2025, marking the end of a two-year saga involving sanctions, illegal oil transfers, and environmental violations. The vessel, seized in July 2023, carries 167,000 metric tons of light crude oil and is expected to fetch at least $70.5 million.
Background
The Arman 114 was intercepted during a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer with another vessel, later identified as a falsified identity of the scrapped tanker S Tinos. Both ships had AIS turned off, and drone surveillance confirmed oil leaks. When confronted, they attempted to flee; Arman 114 was captured after crossing into Malaysian waters.
Legal Proceedings
- July 2024: The captain was convicted for intentional water pollution, sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $300,000.
- The Batam District Court ordered the vessel and cargo to be seized as state assets.
- The master disappeared before sentencing and was convicted in absentia.
Sanctions and Compliance
The United States sanctioned Arman 114, linking it to Iran’s oil export network. Analysts warn that sanctions compliance will complicate the auction process, as buyers must ensure no breach of international restrictions.
Vessel Specifications
General Information
- Name: Arman 114
- IMO Number: 9116412
- MMSI: 422263900
- Call Sign: EPLQ7
- Type: Crude Oil Tanker
- Flag: Iran
- Year Built: 1997
- Builder: Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea)
Dimensions
- Length Overall (LOA): 330–331 metres
- Beam (Width): 58 metres
- Draught: 20–20.6 metres
- Gross Tonnage (GT): 156,880
- Deadweight (DWT): 300,579 tonnes
Capacity
- Cargo on Board: ~167,000 metric tonnes (≈1.24 million barrels of light crude oil)
- Double Hull: Yes
Engine & Performance
- Main Engine: MAN B&W 7S80MC
- Engine Power: 24,468 kW
- Service Speed: 15.2 knots
- Fuel Type: Heavy Fuel Oil
What Happens Next?
The winning bidder must relocate the tanker from Batu Ampar Waters near the Riau Islands within 30 days of purchase. The auction will be conducted via lelang.go.id, Indonesia’s official auction platform.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
