Iran Blacklists 45 Tankers Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

An escalation in tensions between Iran and other nations has led to a significant development in the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new body set up by Iran to manage the strait, has blacklisted 45 tankers for violating its transit rules. These vessels could face fines, detention, and cargo confiscation.

The list includes very large crude carriers, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers, and clean product vessels. Some of these ships are owned by the United Arab Emirates' ADNOC Logistics and Shipping (ADNOC L&S) and Saudi Arabia's national shipping carrier Bahri.

Iran has said it will take action against any vessel transferring loads with the blacklisted tankers. The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iran-related shipping, and the Gulf supplied about 20% of the world's daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas before the conflict disrupted tanker traffic.