The Maltese Foreign Ministry has delisted a Maltese-flagged, Iranian-owned tanker which was carrying Syrian crude oil in breach of international sanctions.

According to reports, the‘M.T.Tour’, owned by ISIM Tour Ltd of Iran was shipping a 120,000 tonne cargo of Syrian crude worth $84 million to a state-run Chinese company. The statement by Maltese Foreign Ministry said it took quick action on finding that the Iranian ship flying the Maltese merchant shipping flag was carrying Syrian oil in breach of sanctions.

It added that any other Maltese-flagged ships found to be breaking the sanctions would also be delisted.

The Maltese Government clarified that it will continue to strictly observe sanctions imposed by the United Nations and the European Union.

Malta is an EU member. Delisting implies the ship's registration would be cancelled and it won't be able to carry any more shipments.