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.
Compliance Bind
The move puts shipowners in a difficult position, as complying with Tehran's transit regime could trigger US sanctions. The US sanctioned the PGSA in May, accusing the IRGC-backed authority of running an “extortion” scheme targeting commercial vessels transiting Hormuz.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control has warned that companies cooperating with Iranian transit demands-including making payments or providing sensitive vessel information-could face US sanctions exposure.
The 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.
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.
Cover image: Niels Johannes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
