Iran Blacklists Tankers in Strait of Hormuz Transit Crackdown

Iran has blacklisted between 45 and 46 ships for violating protocols when traveling across the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new Iranian body created to manage the waterway, announced that the named vessels could face fines, detention, or the confiscation of their cargoes. Iran further warned that any vessels involved in ship to ship transfers with the blacklisted ships could also be added to the list.

The restricted list includes a variety of vessels such as very large crude carriers, clean product vessels, and liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers. Specifically, ships owned by Saudi Arabia's national shipping carrier Bahri, the UAE's ADNOC Logistics and Shipping, and ADNOC's subsidiary Navig8 Tankers are included, along with vessels from Stolt Tankers, Klaveness Ship Management, and South Korea's Sinokor.

This escalation follows U.S. threats of severe sanctions against Iran and Iranian warnings of a devastating response. While the specific rules were not detailed in the announcement, Tehran has previously stated that ship owners must obtain clearance to transit the strait and pay for security services. Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed a naval blockade against Iran related shipping. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that oil continues to flow through the strait at over 8 million barrels a day due to U.S. Navy efforts.