Iraq's SOMO denies contractual link with sanctioned Binary Star tanker

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) said it has no contractual or commercial relationship with the oil tanker Binary Star, identified by IMO number 9380570, rejecting media reports linking the vessel to the company. In a written statement, SOMO said its records show no connection between the tanker, its owner or its operator and the state oil marketer. SOMO said tankers used in Iraqi export operations are selected from compliant companies and vessels that do not appear on international sanctions lists, with required inspections and verifications carried out before acceptance. The organization added that it monitors tanker movements in Iraqi territorial waters and shares its reports with the Iraqi Navy, the National Security Advisory, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, the Iraqi General Maritime Transport Company and the Iraqi Ports Authority. SOMO warned that some tankers can manipulate their position data and automatic identification system (AIS) signals, and said it continues to use specialized tracking software for monitoring. The company stressed that a tanker's presence in Iraqi waters, its appearance in tracking systems or media coverage does not establish a contractual link with SOMO, noting that ports host vessels from various sectors. According to the statement, the Binary Star was sanctioned by the United States in December 2025 and later by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and Switzerland in 2026 for transporting oil products of Iranian and Russian origin. The statement also noted the vessel visited Iraqi ports, including Khor al-Zubair and the Basra oil terminal.