Several oil companies to avoid using ships on Iran's blacklist over security concerns, sources say
"We will avoid our chartered vessels dealing in STS or anything to do with non-compliant ships for Middle Eastern cargoes," said one of the sources, who works at an Indian refinery.
At least three Indian oil refiners and a major global energy company are considering halting the use of ships on Iran's new blacklist, citing security concerns, according to four sources with direct knowledge. Tehran recently released a blacklist of 45 ships that violated its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to penalize vessels transferring loads with them.
This escalation of threats comes six months into the US-Israeli war on Iran and is intended to disrupt Gulf oil producers' shuttle runs, which have kept oil flowing despite Iran's restrictions. Iran's new measures could result in fines, detention, and confiscated cargoes for non-compliant ships. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new body set up by Iran to manage the strait, warned that it would take action against vessels transferring loads with blacklisted ships.
Indian refinery sources said they would avoid using chartered vessels dealing with non-compliant ships for Middle Eastern cargoes. Some of the tankers on Iran's list are owned or chartered by Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. Compliance-sensitive buyers are expected to avoid these vessels, but the trade may instead reroute through alternative tonnage, counterparties, or transfer locations.
Shipping firms are evaluating Iran's warning and considering whether to continue STS operations, with some opting to buy oil on a delivered basis instead of free-on-board at STS locations.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
