Indian refiners and global energy major to avoid Iran-blacklisted ships over Hormuz risk

Indian refiners and a global energy major plan to avoid vessels on Iran's new blacklist, including for ship-to-ship transfers, due to security concerns, four sources said this week. The move follows Tehran's announcement of 45 blacklisted ships. Iran announced the blacklist on Sunday, saying it would take action against vessels transferring loads with them, escalating threats over the Strait of Hormuz six months into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The action appears designed to impede shuttle runs by Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The named vessels could be fined, detained, or have cargoes confiscated, according to Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Some listed tankers are owned by Saudi Aramco and ADNOC, and compliance-sensitive buyers are expected to avoid them, though trade may reroute through alternative tonnage.