Iran has issued a warning against 45 vessels that it claims have violated its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening the ships with detention, confiscation or financial penalties.
The blacklist was published by Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which has also urged cargo owners to check the list before chartering vessels.
The move adds another layer of uncertainty for commercial shipping operating through one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
Warning extends to other vessels
The PGSA warned that vessels conducting ship-to-ship transfers, transshipment operations or other dealings with ships on the blacklist could themselves be added to the list.
The authority issued the warning on August 23, further tightening the conditions under which vessels can operate through the Strait.
The United States sanctioned the PGSA in May and has questioned the legality of Iran’s requirement for vessels to pay tolls in order to obtain transit permits for the waterway.
Hormuz traffic remains restricted
Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to operate at reduced levels.
According to intelligence platform Kpler, there were 121 vessel crossings during the previous week. Laden transfers declined by 26%, while the number of sanctioned crossings increased from nine to 16.
At the same time, the proportion of vessels using Iran’s designated routing scheme rose to 46.3%, illustrating the growing influence of Tehran’s transit requirements on maritime traffic.
Several blacklisted vessels previously attacked
The blacklist also highlights the security risks facing shipping in and around the Strait.
Of the 45 vessels named by the PGSA, at least 14 have previously been targeted in attacks in recent months.
The published list also appears to contain an apparent duplication involving the crude tanker Vadin, which is also listed under its former name, Lila Vadinare.
For shipowners, charterers and cargo interests, the blacklist creates additional operational and legal risks. Companies must now consider not only the security threat in the Strait but also the potential consequences of interacting with vessels identified by Iranian authorities.
