Sanctioned LPG Carriers Removed from Iran's PGSA Blacklist Amid Fresh Hormuz Tanker Incident

## Sanctioned LPG Carriers Removed from Iran's PGSA Blacklist Amid Fresh Hormuz Tanker Incident A number of LPG carriers previously subject to US sanctions have been quietly removed from Iran's Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA) non-compliance blacklist, according to reporting by Seatrade Maritime — a development that comes against a backdrop of renewed security concerns in one of the world's most strategically critical waterways. The PGSA blacklist is used by Iranian maritime authorities to flag vessels deemed non-compliant with local regulations, and its intersection with US sanctions designations has long created a complex compliance environment for shipowners and operators navigating the Gulf region. The removal of the sanctioned LPG carriers from the list raises questions about the evolving enforcement posture of Iranian authorities and the practical implications for vessels operating in or near Iranian waters. The timing of the development is particularly notable. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has simultaneously reported a tanker strike in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's traded oil passes. Details of the incident remain limited, but any attack on commercial shipping in the area is treated with the utmost seriousness by naval authorities and the broader maritime community. The Strait of Hormuz has been the scene of repeated incidents in recent years, including drone and missile attacks, vessel seizures, and limpet mine strikes attributed to various regional actors. Shipowners, insurers, and flag states continue to monitor the corridor closely, with war risk premiums remaining elevated for transits through the Gulf. For compliance officers and vessel operators, the dual developments present a nuanced picture. The delisting of sanctioned vessels from the PGSA register does not alter their status under US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designations, and industry observers caution that engagement with such vessels continues to carry significant legal and reputational risk for Western-linked entities. Maritime security analysts are likely to scrutinise both developments for signals about the broader geopolitical trajectory in the Gulf, particularly given ongoing diplomatic uncertainty surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and the status of international sanctions regimes. Shipowners and operators with exposure to Gulf trade routes are advised to maintain close contact with their flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and security advisors, and to monitor UKMTO and industry alerts for further updates on the Hormuz incident. *Source: Seatrade Maritime*