Syria-bound 'arms ship' returns to Russia for relaunch

MV Alaed: The cargo vessel is expected to make a fresh attempt to reach Syria next week.

A cargo ship which was turned back in Scottish waters amid claims it was transporting military helicopters to Syria is due to arrive in Russia on Saturday.

The MV Alaed had its insurance cover withdrawn after UK authorities said it was carrying munitions bound for President Bashr al-Assad's regime.

The ship, which is registered in the Caribbean island of Curacao, is expected to resume its voyage after re-registering under the Russian flag in the next few days.

Security services are believed to have tipped off the insurers, Standard Club, about the destination of the 125m-long bulk carrier and its cargo of Mi25 helicopters.

The European Union has imposed an arms embargo against Syria, but Russia is not bound by the order - unlike Curacao, which is a constituent nation of the Netherlands.

Russian media reported that after having its new home port of Murmansk painted on its hull, the 9000-tonne vessel will resume its journey through the North Sea under the Russian flag.

The ship's managers Femco vehemently denied that it had been carrying an illegal cargo.

A company statement said: "Reports of illegal actions of the ship-owner of MV Alaed are inaccurate.

"The vessel is undertaking an ordinary commercial voyage, in full accordance with international norms and rules. Contractual obligations are being properly performed by the ship owner."

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