On 18th Dec 2025, The OFAC department of USA - Office of Foreign Assets Control, announced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of vessels and operators accused of transporting Iranian petroleum products through illegal shipping practices as per USA. These 29 tankers are said to export Iranian crude oil, fuel oil, bitumen, naphtha, and condensate to international markets. This move is part of a broader effort by USA to hit Iran’s economy by reducing its oil exports.
According to the U.S. Treasury (OFAC) a shadow fleet refers to:
A network of vessels, shipping companies, and intermediaries that uses deceptive maritime practices to evade U.S. and international sanctions, primarily to transport oil and petroleum products for sanctioned states.
Many of these 29 ships are flagged under countries like Palau, Panama, Cook Islands, Barbados, and Jamaica.
Since last 1 year USA has sanctioned approx. 180 tankers and ships used for Iran exports and imports.
The USA has recently seized a rogue tanker off Venezuela tied to shadow fleet operations, reflecting the broader geographic scope of maritime smuggling enforcement.
Impact of U.S. Sanctions on the 29 Shadow Fleet Ships
Asset Freezing & Legal Blacklisting
Once designated by OFAC:
All U.S.-linked assets of these vessels are frozen
Any property or financial interest passing through the U.S. system is blocked
The ships are placed on the SDN (Specially Designated Nationals) list
The ships would face challenges to exports/imports cargo in international market
Loss of insurance
Port access restrictions for major international ports
Dollar transactions will be stopped
Swift payment will be stopped
Any non-U.S. entity that – Charters/ Insures/ Finances/ Manages/ port or logistics services to these ships may also be sanctioned by the U.S.
It has been seen that in order to survive, these ships change name and flags
Will keep you updated.
(Above is an AI generated image)
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