BERLIN, Dec 16: A United Nations court on Saturday ordered the immediate release of an Argentine navy training ship seized by Ghana two months ago at the request of an American hedge fund.

The ARA Libertad was detained on Oct 2 in the port of Tema as collateral for unpaid bonds dating from Argentina's economic crisis a decade ago. Argentina appealed to the UN’s International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the ship's release, arguing that as a warship the Libertad is immune from being seized.

There was no comment from judicial authorities in Ghana about the ruling.

In an expedited ruling, the court ordered that Ghana “forthwith and unconditionally release the frigate ARA Libertad” and ensure the ship and its crew can leave Ghanaian waters.

It also ordered that the vessel be resupplied as needed.

Detaining the ship was “a source of conflict that may endanger friendly relations among states,” the court said.

The ruling left untouched the parties' rights to seek further international arbitration on the matter.—AP