Iran Blacklisted 77 Vessels for Unpaid Transit Tolls
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority has targeted ships for bypassing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Should commercial ships be expected to pay tolls to regional authorities in international transit straits?
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has released a blacklist of 77 vessels for transiting the Strait of Hormuz without paying required tolls. The move aims to pressure marine insurers and classification societies to cut ties with the identified ships.
Why it matters
The list targets vessels deemed to have undermined Iranian control over the waterway by avoiding transit permission. This action seeks to enforce regional shipping protocols and exert financial pressure on international maritime operators.
Tankers account for 85% of the blacklisted fleet, while 38% of the vessels are flagged to Liberia. Additionally, 40% of the listed ships have Emirati-linked ownership.
The players
Persian Gulf Strait Authority
This body is responsible for managing transit permissions and toll collection across the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM
The United States Central Command is the combatant command responsible for military operations in the Middle East.
International Group of 12 P&I Clubs
This association represents marine insurance providers that offer protection and indemnity coverage to the global shipping industry.
The details
Blacklisted ships primarily used the southern corridor through Omani waters or northern routes while relying on Western-linked insurance to bypass Iranian fees. Most of these vessels operate with their AIS systems turned off to avoid detection, though 61% broadcast signals at some point in September.
Timeline
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority began operations in mid-May 2026.
The first tranche of blacklisted vessels was released on August 24, 2026.
The vessel RIESCO was destroyed by CENTCOM on September 8, 2026.
The third tranche of blacklisted vessels was released on September 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
The blacklist reflects a heightened effort by regional authorities to exert control over critical global energy chokepoints. This strategy mirrors historical precedents seen during the 1980s Tanker War and significantly complicates the competitive environment for international carriers.
The potential disruption to insurance coverage and shipping schedules may lead to increased operational costs for global maritime trade. Shippers and energy importers should anticipate heightened scrutiny and potential delays when navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The takeaway
Shipping operators must remain vigilant regarding regional transit mandates to ensure their vessel status remains compliant. Monitoring updates from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority is essential for maintaining consistent access to major energy transit corridors.
Further reading
For broader context on energy shipping, visit our Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hellenic Shipping News.
Live Poll
Should commercial ships be expected to pay tolls to regional authorities in international transit straits?
