Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has published a new list of non-compliant vessels, warning that ships violating transit rules through the Strait of Hormuz could face fines, detention, or confiscation.
On August 24, the PGSA announced that vessels engaging in ship-to-ship transfers or transshipment with non-compliant ships would be added to the restricted list. Shipowners and charterers were instructed to submit requests to Iranian authorities to remove their vessels from the list, providing relevant explanations for review.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any new restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait are closely monitored by governments, shipping companies, and energy markets.
New Maritime Enforcement Body
The PGSA, a newly established authority, has taken over management of the strait, replacing prior oversight mechanisms. The agency stated that its actions aim to enforce updated regulations governing transit through Iranian waters, including the collection of maritime service fees to offset costs for navigational assistance, vessel insurance, and environmental protection measures.
Ships seeking to avoid penalties must comply with Iranian transit arrangements or risk being placed on the non-compliant list. The PGSA did not specify how many vessels have been added to the list or provide details on the enforcement timeline.
U.S. Naval Presence and Regional Tensions
The announcement follows heightened tensions in the region, where the U.S. Navy has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump stated that once the U.S. “finishes defeating Iran,” it would declare the strait a U.S. territory. Iran has dismissed this claim as a “delusion.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical disputes, with both Iran and the U.S. asserting control over the waterway. The PGSA’s enforcement measures add a new layer of complexity to maritime navigation in one of the world’s most strategically vital shipping lanes.