MT Irene SL is a Greek-owned and -operated VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) or supertanker.

[3] Built in 2004, the Irene SL has a gross tonnage of 161,175 GT with a displacement of 319,247 DWT.

[4] The ship was captured one day after the pirates took control of another tanker, the MV Savina Caylin.

With the use of larger mother ships since the end of 2010, pirates have extended their operational capabilities.

Three other VLCCs that have been ransomed by pirates are the Sirius Star, the Maran Centaurus, and the Samho Dream.