P&O Cancels Dubai, Gulf Voyages amid Iran Tensions

Thursday, August 8, 2019

P&O Cruises has cancelled cruises around Dubai and the Arabian Gulf after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the region.

Citing increased tensions, the company said it has cancelled its planned programme in the region from October until at least March next year and all guests be issued a full refund.

Last month, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a British tanker, Stena Impero, near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations. That came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accusing it of violating sanctions on Syria.

"As a British company flying the Red Ensign it is not advisable for us to maintain our planned Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme this winter season," said Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president.

"We have therefore taken the unusual step of withdrawing Oceana from the region for the upcoming season."

Reporting by Andrew MacAskill

Categories: Cruise Ship Trends Ports Maritime Security Maritime Safety

Related Stories

BHP Port Unions Strike at Port Hedland

Corn Belt Ports Co-Hosts National Waterways Conference Annual Meeting

Hybrid Mobile Harbor Crane Commissioned for Port of Gulfport

Current News

U.S. Containerized Imports from China Rose 7.2% in July

Trump’s Revised Jones Act Waiver Gets Mixed Reception

Jeong-Sook Kim Appointed as UK P&I Club Senior Underwriting Director

Maersk Training Sold to OpenGate Capital

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News