Iran has issued a list of 46 vessels it claims have breached its regulations for navigating the Strait of Hormuz, warning them of possible fines, detention, seizure, or confiscation should they attempt future passages through this crucial waterway. The Persian Gulf Shipping Administration (PGSA) released this “Non-Compliant Vessels List,” advising shipowners, charterers, and cargo entities to conduct thorough screenings of vessels prior to arranging voyages to or from Persian Gulf ports.
According to the PGSA, vessels that have violated the Iranian transit regulations will face future transit restrictions. The potential penalties for non-compliance include severe sanctions such as fines and confiscation. Furthermore, the agency cautioned that any ships engaging in operations with vessels already deemed non-compliant could also be added to the list of violators.
The recent designation follows U.S. sanctions imposed on the PGSA for allegedly running an extortion scheme against commercial ships passing through Hormuz. Companies that cooperate with Iranian transit requirements, such as making payments or sharing sensitive vessel data, have also been warned of potential U.S. sanctions. The list includes a diverse array of tankers and gas carriers, many of which have already experienced incidents during the ongoing disruptions in commercial shipping.
Experts suggest that the implications of this designation could significantly complicate maritime operations in the Gulf. Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, noted that the listing increases the risk profile for vessels operating in this region, particularly for those associated with UAE, Greek, and Indian interests. He urged that owners and charterers should screen their fleets against Iran’s identified vessels to mitigate risks related to chartering, ship-to-ship transfers, and cargo movements throughout the Gulf.
