The Georgian coast guard seized the Greek ship, Vassilios XVI, on May 23 for violating Georgia?s territorial waters.
The fuel-laden tanker was en-route to Georgia?s breakaway region Abkhazia. According to the regulations, all ships bound for Abkhazian port of Sukhumi have to pass customs clearance with the Georgian authorities in Poti.
According to the Georgian Border Guard Department, the ship will be fined by 200,000 Lari (USD 100,000) for violation of the country?s territorial waters.