Iran Blacklists 46 Ships On Hormuz ‘Non-Compliant’ List

Iran has published a list of 46 vessels it says violated its arrangements for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the ships could face fines, detention, seizure or confiscation if they attempt future passages through the strategic waterway.

The Persian Gulf Shipping Administration (PGSA) published the “Non-Compliant Vessels List” along with a warning to shipowners, charterers and cargo interests to screen vessels before fixing voyages to or from Persian Gulf ports.

“In light of violations by certain vessels of the Iranian arrangements for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, these vessels will face restrictions in their future transits,” the PGSA said, listing possible penalties including fines, seizure and confiscation.

The agency also warned that vessels conducting ship-to-ship transfers, transshipment or other operations with ships already designated as non-compliant could themselves be added to the list.

Owners seeking to have a vessel removed must submit a request to the PGSA along with an explanation, according to the notice.

The United States sanctioned the PGSA in May, accusing the IRGC-backed authority of running an “extortion” scheme targeting commercial vessels transiting Hormuz. OFAC has warned that companies cooperating with Iranian transit demands—including making payments or providing sensitive vessel information—could face U.S. sanctions exposure. Iran is now threatening penalties against vessels that fail to comply with those same arrangements.

The 46-vessel list includes a broad mix of tankers, gas carriers and other merchant ships, including several that have already been caught up in attacks during the months-long disruption to commercial shipping through Hormuz.

Among them is MINOAN DIGNITY (IMO 9294484), which was struck while outbound through the Strait on August 18, suffering engine-room damage and a crew casualty. AL BAHYAH (IMO 9937799) and MOMBASA B (IMO 9739501), both attacked in Omani waters in July, also appear on the list.

Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, said the designation adds another layer of risk for companies trading through the Gulf.

“PGSA published a Non-Compliant Vessels list naming 46 vessels, warning of fines, detention, seizure and confiscation on future Strait of Hormuz transits,” Kelly said.

He noted that several vessels on the list have already been struck in the Strait and that the designations appear concentrated among particular segments of the fleet.

“The list is weighted towards UAE state-linked, Greek-managed and Indian-linked tonnage, with gas carriers notably represented,” Kelly said.

The warning effectively extends Iran’s enforcement regime beyond individual Strait transits by threatening vessels that subsequently conduct commercial operations with designated ships. That raises potential implications for chartering, ship-to-ship transfers and cargo movements throughout the Gulf.

Kelly said owners and charterers should immediately screen their fleets and forward fixtures against the 46 IMO numbers identified by Iran.

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