Hormuz blacklist expands as shipping traffic remains subdued

Iran's self-styled Persian Gulf Strait Authority has expanded its blacklist of vessels deemed “non-compliant”, while extending its warnings to insurers, protection and indemnity clubs and classification societies.

The authority's latest list names 77 vessels by ship and IMO registration number, up from 45 at the end of August, The Maritime Executive reports.

It includes crude oil tankers operated by companies such as Saudi Arabia's Bahri and Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, as well as LPG and LNG carriers, product tankers and bulkers.

The group has warned shipowners and operators against allowing listed vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention or confiscation.

In its latest warning, it also told insurance companies, P&I clubs and classification societies not to provide services to the listed vessels.

Despite the threats, there is little evidence that the shipping industry is formally complying with the authority's demands.

However, vessel movements through the strategically important waterway remain well below normal levels, according to tracking data cited by Reuters.

Traffic reportedly fell to single digits per day over the weekend, with only one LPG carrier and one laden Supermax tanker recorded as exiting on Saturday and Sunday.

Oil markets remain volatile amid continuing attacks involving the United States and Iran, while planned talks involving Gulf states and Iran were called off.

Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, adding to concerns over the impact of prolonged disruption on global energy markets.