Transit controls in the Strait of Hormuz have been tightened further. On August 23, local time, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) issued a statement saying that vessels violating Iran’s transit rules could face fines, detention, or cargo confiscation. It also published a list of “non-compliant vessels” (NCVs). Reuters reported that the initial list covers 45 tankers, including VLCCs, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, and product tankers. The announcement does not amount to a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but it introduces additional compliance requirements for vessels transiting the waterway.

Key Highlights 

• NCV list: Iran has published a list of non-compliant vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz. 

• Possible measures: Vessels found in breach of the rules could face fines, detention, or cargo confiscation. 

• Related vessels: Vessels conducting STS transfers or other cargo-transfer operations with listed vessels may also be affected. 

• Pre-chartering checks: Cargo owners should confirm whether a vessel appears on the latest NCV list before chartering it.

Iran Publishes NCV List as Transit Rules Tighten

The PGSA was established in May this year to oversee the Strait of Hormuz. According to Jiemian News, it is reportedly overseen by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. The United States has placed the authority under sanctions. Companies dealing with the authority or related parties should therefore also consider sanctions compliance risks, including those involving U.S. dollar settlements.

Under the PGSA statement, cargo owners shipping to or from the Persian Gulf should check the latest NCV list before chartering a vessel. Reuters reported that the initial list includes 45 vessels, including crude oil tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, and product tankers. The PGSA also said that vessels conducting ship-to-ship (STS) transfers or other cargo-transfer operations with listed vessels could themselves be added to the list. A listed vessel seeking removal must submit a formal application and explain the reasons for its request.

Energy Shipping Faces the Most Direct Impact

The rule changes will have the most immediate effect on shipments of crude oil, refined petroleum products, LNG, and LPG. When arranging voyages through the Strait of Hormuz, shipowners and charterers previously focused primarily on navigational safety, insurance costs, transit conditions, and possible route changes. They must now also screen vessels for compliance. Where STS operations are involved, companies will need to determine whether any participating vessel appears on the NCV list.

The direct impact on container freight forwarders is relatively limited. However, if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at reduced levels, changes in energy transportation costs, insurance premiums, and regional vessel deployment could still affect the broader shipping market.

Commercial Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz Remains Low

Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below normal levels. Reuters reported that Iran has placed 45 tankers on the NCV list and warned that vessels transferring cargo to or from those tankers could also be subject to enforcement measures.

Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must now consider not only navigational conditions, but also whether they are listed, which vessels they have operated with, and the applicable transit requirements. Companies continuing to arrange Persian Gulf voyages should monitor whether the NCV list expands and whether the restrictions further affect vessel transits and voyage schedules.

Sources and Disclaimer 

Sources include Reuters, Jiemian News, the PGSA, and other publicly available shipping information. This article is provided solely for industry reference. Please refer to the latest official notices for current requirements.