Eswatini distances itself from “Eswatini-Flagged” vessel seized in Iran
Eswatini has set the record straight denouncing such fraudulently activities.
By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has firmly disassociated itself from a vessel reportedly seized by Iranian authorities for alleged fuel smuggling, stating that the ship has no legitimate connection to the country.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport issued a detailed clarification confirming that Eswatini does not operate a ship registry and has never authorised anyone to register vessels under its flag.
The statement comes after international media outlets reported that a ship bearing Eswatini’s flag had been intercepted by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf.
According to the ministry, the Kingdom currently has no ship registered under its national flag. This means that any vessel claiming Eswatini registration is doing so fraudulently.
The government described such conduct as criminal and emphasised that those responsible must be held accountable by relevant international law enforcement bodies.
Authorities noted that no local or foreign person, entity or agency has been mandated or authorised to act on behalf of Eswatini in maritime registration matters.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Thulani Mkhaliphi, issued the clarification on 30 November 2025.
He stressed that Eswatini has never established an operational maritime registry and that creating such an institution would require legislation passed by Parliament. Since no such law exists, it is impossible for any legitimate ship to sail under the Kingdom’s name.
Mkhaliphi explained that the misuse of Eswatini’s flag appears to be part of deliberate wrongdoing by individuals or networks involved in illicit activities.
The ministry expressed concern that criminals operating across international waters have adopted the name of the country to disguise fuel smuggling and other unlawful operations.
The government condemned this practice and called it irresponsible and deeply troubling.
The incident that prompted the clarification took place when Iranian naval forces seized a vessel reportedly involved in transporting smuggled fuel.
International media identified the ship as Eswatini flagged, prompting questions and confusion about how such a vessel could be registered under the flag of a small landlocked nation with no seaport infrastructure or maritime registry.
The government’s statement seeks to eliminate any ambiguity that may arise from the association created by the reports.
In its clarification, the ministry said it cannot identify the owners of the vessel or verify their motives because no legitimate registry exists within Eswatini. Officials believe that the country’s name was misused without any form of authorisation.
This misuse, the ministry added, is part of a major global trend where criminals adopt false flags of convenience to evade regulation, obscure a vessel’s true origin or exploit perceived loopholes in international maritime systems.
