Iran threatens 45 tankers with fines, confiscation in Hormuz escalation

Iran has issued a list of 45 tankers that have violated its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention, and confiscation of cargoes for those vessels. The list includes large crude carriers, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers, and clean product vessels. Some of the named ships are owned by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and subsidiaries of ADNOC Logistics and Shipping.

Any vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfers with the listed ships could also be blacklisted. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new body established by Iran, has not provided details on the rules behind the blacklist but has previously stated that ship owners should obtain clearance from Tehran to transit the strait and should pay for security and other services.

The U.S. has imposed a naval blockade against Iran-related shipping, which has disrupted tanker traffic but U.S.-coordinated efforts are helping to restore some export volumes. The Gulf used to supply about 20% of the world's daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas. The U.S. Secretary of Energy confirmed that oil is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to the U.S. Navy.