Arrest of tanker captains could slow exports

BASRA - Five veteran tanker captains have been taken into custody by Basra's Integrity Commission for allegedly accepting gifts from ships they escort in and out of the Basra Gulf.

"This will lead to at least a partial disruption in the oil terminals, taking into consideration the importance of the role played by these people in Iraq's oil terminals," said Kadhim al-Hammami of the Maritime Experts Board. "They have 30 years of experience in vessel maneuvering, take-off and anchorages."