Iran has blacklisted 45 oil and gas tankers accused of violating its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the vessels could face fines, detention and cargo confiscation.
The warning, issued by the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, also threatens vessels that conduct ship-to-ship transfers involving any of the blacklisted tankers.
The development adds to tensions around the strategic waterway, which remains critical to global energy supplies amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
The blacklist includes very large crude carriers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers and clean-product vessels. Some of the ships are owned by companies linked to the United Arab Emirates’ ADNOC Logistics and Shipping, ADNOC subsidiary Navig8 Tankers and Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company, Bahri.
Iran did not specify in its latest statement which particular rules the vessels had breached. However, Tehran has previously said shipowners must obtain clearance to transit the Strait of Hormuz and pay for security and other related services.
The warning comes days after the United States threatened Iran with what President Donald Trump described as the “toughest sanctions in history.” Iran has warned that any new US pressure would trigger a “devastating” response.
The United States has also imposed a naval blockade targeting Iran-related shipping.
According to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, cargo owners should consult an updated list of vessels considered non-compliant with Iran’s requirements for Gulf voyages.
Owners of blacklisted vessels seeking removal from the list must submit requests, along with relevant explanations, to Iranian maritime authorities.
The authority also warned that vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfers with the listed tankers could themselves be added to the blacklist.
Among the companies whose vessels appear on the list are Klaveness Ship Management, Stolt Tankers and South Korea’s Sinokor.
The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while ADNOC declined to comment.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the Iran conflict disrupted tanker movements, the Gulf region supplied about 20 per cent of global daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
US-coordinated efforts are now helping tankers move through the strait, with some vessels transporting cargo to larger tankers waiting outside the waterway.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the seven-day average of oil leaving the Strait had risen above 8 million barrels per day, crediting the US Navy for helping maintain the flow.
Iran’s latest move, however, raises the risk of further disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway as Tehran and Washington remain locked in an escalating confrontation.
45 vessels on Iran’s blacklist
- Kiku — IMO 9329796
- Mubaraz — IMO 9074626
- Minoan Pioneer — IMO 9471630
- Hafeet — IMO 9928009
- Al Rekayyat — IMO 9397339
- Wedyan — IMO 9524970
- Cyprus Prosperity — IMO 9595216
- Al Rawdah — IMO 9734513
- Rasheeda — IMO 9443413
- Lebrethah — IMO 9976927
- Lila Vadinar — IMO 9324100
- Maha Roos — IMO 9231004
- Gfs Galaxy — IMO 9401271
- Al Bahyah — IMO 9937799
- Mombasa B — IMO 9739501
- Stolt Magnesium — IMO 9739317
- Al Watan — IMO 9615030
- Navig8 Messi — IMO 9482859
- Singapore Prosperity — IMO 9419967
- Disha — IMO 9250713
- Gaslog Shanghai — IMO 9600528
- Lubna — IMO 9489065
- Hazi 1 — IMO 7802598
- Ryujin — IMO 8206818
- Anna Barbara — IMO 9407500
- Sunbird Arrow — IMO 9323821
- Minoan Dignity — IMO 9294484
- Maria — IMO 9917828
- Kavomaleas — IMO 1042823
- Mardan — IMO 9360453
- Sweden Prosperity — IMO 9588392
- Jarnain — IMO 9823546
- Kaifan — IMO 9656046
- Nissos Kea — IMO 9920758
- Rotterdam Energy — IMO 9508859
- Al Hamra — IMO 9074640
- Umm Al Ashtan — IMO 9074652
- Marigold LNG — IMO 9230062
- Banastar — IMO 9228045
- Navara — IMO 9241798
- Nissos Heraclea — IMO 9419618
- Blue Star 1 — IMO 9215115
- Ashley — IMO 9258466
- Mraweh — IMO 9074638
- Al Lulu — IMO 9583627
