Iran announced it has blacklisted 45 oil tankers that violated its regulations when transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, Iran’s recently established body responsible for overseeing the waterway, stated that the vessels could face fines, detention, and cargo seizures. Some of these ships are owned by the United Arab Emirates’ ADNOC Logistics & Shipping, its subsidiary Navigate Tankers, as well as Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company Bahri. The authority also warned that any ships involved in ship-to-ship transfers with these vessels might also be added to the blacklist.
This development comes just days after the U.S. government threatened Iran with the harshest sanctions ever and warned that any new U.S. threats would be met with “devastating” responses. The ships on the list include very large crude carries, LNG and LPG tankers, and vessels carrying clean products, among others.
Tehran did not specify the exact nature of its rules but has previously stated that vessel owners must obtain permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz and are responsible for paying for security and services. The U.S. has also implemented a naval blockade targeting Iran-related shipping.
Before the conflict, the Persian Gulf supplied roughly 20% of the world’s daily crude oil and LNG. U.S.-led efforts to facilitate clandestine tanker movements through the Strait—allowing oil to flow from waiting supertankers just outside the waterway—are helping to restore some export volumes. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wray noted on social media that the average daily oil exports through the Strait are over 8 million barrels, emphasizing that U.S. naval forces are ensuring oil continues to move through this critical route.
Other shipping companies named on the blacklist include Klaveness Ship Management, South Korea’s Sinokor, and Stolt Tankers. They have yet to comment on the listing.
Iran’s maritime authorities advised cargo owners to consult an updated list of vessels deemed non-compliant for operations related to the Gulf. Ships seeking to be removed from this list are instructed to submit detailed requests to Iran’s maritime authorities.
The list of vessels marked as non-compliant includes Kiku, Mubaraz, Minoan Pioneer, Hafeet, Al Rekayyat, Wedyan, Cyprus Prosperity, Al Rawdah, Rasheeda, Lebrethah, Lila Vadinar, Maha Roos, GFS Galaxy, Al Bahyah, Mombasa B, Stolt Magnesium, Al Watan, Navig8 Messi, Singapore Prosperity, Disha, Gaslog Shanghai, Lubna, Hazi 1, Ryujin, Anna Barbara, Sunbird Arrow, Minoan Dignity, Maria, Kavomaleas, Mardan, Sweden Prosperity, Jarnain, Kaifan, Nissos Kea, Rotterdam Energy, Al Hamra, Umm Al Ashtan, Marigold LNG, Banastar, Navara, Nissos Heraclea, Blue Star 1, Ashley, Mraweh, and Al Lulu.
