On the evening of August 23, local time, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) published a list of 45 “non-compliant vessels.” Iran said the vessels had violated rules governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz and could face fines, detention, or cargo confiscation. With the vessels now publicly identified, concerns are shifting from transit availability to compliance with Iran’s regulatory requirements. Global shipping companies, cargo owners, and logistics service providers should monitor these developments closely.

Key Highlights 

• Vessels identified: Iran has published the names and IMO numbers of 45 vessels classified as non-compliant. 

• Vessel types: The list includes tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, and some container ships and bulk carriers. 

• STS operations: Other vessels conducting ship-to-ship transfers with listed vessels may also be affected. 

• Compliance challenge: Shipowners face potential conflicts between Iranian regulatory requirements and U.S. sanctions risks.

Iran’s List Covers Multiple Vessel Types

Iran’s announcement is not a general restriction notice. It identifies 45 vessels by name and IMO number. The list covers several vessel types, including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), product tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, as well as some container ships and bulk carriers. Its scope therefore extends beyond the energy shipping sector.

Publicly available information indicates that the list includes vessels connected with several international shipping companies. Some of the listed vessels were previously attacked during regional conflicts. According to public reports, at least 14 of these vessels had previously been attacked, adding to concerns over navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has not disclosed which specific rule each vessel allegedly violated or provided detailed reasons for every listing. At this stage, the measure is best understood as a mechanism through which Iran is strengthening its oversight of vessel transits and related operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

STS Restrictions Could Extend the Impact to Other Vessels

Iran said vessels conducting ship-to-ship (STS) transfers or similar operations with listed vessels could also be added to the non-compliant list.

STS operations are common in energy shipping, particularly in oil transportation, specialized routing arrangements, and cargo transfers. The risk may therefore extend beyond the vessels already named through dealings with listed vessels, potentially affecting more shipowners, charterers, and cargo owners involved in related operations.

International shipowners also face an increasingly complex compliance environment. Complying with Iran’s new transit requirements could increase their exposure to U.S. sanctions risks, while declining to comply could result in fines, detention, or other measures imposed by Iran. Shipping companies must therefore manage potentially conflicting compliance requirements.

Iranian Controls and U.S. Sanctions Increase Uncertainty

The publication of the PGSA list is not simply a routine shipping administration measure. Public reports indicate that bodies associated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy are involved in operating the PGSA. The United States subsequently announced related sanctions and included the PGSA in its sanctions measures.

International companies involved in transportation through the Strait of Hormuz must consider both Iran’s transit rules and the potential impact of U.S. sanctions. Shipowners, charterers, and cargo owners may need to conduct stricter compliance reviews before arranging voyages, including checks on vessel backgrounds, counterparties, and the nature of the proposed business.

The PGSA had previously issued a detailed document covering vessel management, transit procedures, and related service requirements for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Together, the rules, named vessel list, and sanctions measures have made compliance more complex for companies operating in the strait.

Enforcement Will Determine the Market Impact

Iran has now moved from announcing transit rules to publishing a specific list of non-compliant vessels. The market impact will depend on how the list is enforced.

Key questions include whether listed vessels will actually be detained or have their cargoes confiscated, whether more vessels will be added, and whether companies doing business with listed vessels will also be affected.

Logistics companies, freight forwarders, and cargo owners should not focus solely on whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed. They should monitor the status of individual vessels, counterparty risks, and changes to transportation arrangements. As a major global energy shipping corridor, any regulatory change in the Strait of Hormuz could affect tanker shipping, energy supplies, and global shipping costs.

Sources and Disclaimer

Sources include Reuters, Argus, Splash247, and other publicly available industry information. This article is provided solely for reference by the international logistics and shipping industry. Please refer to the latest announcements from the relevant authorities and companies for current information.