Multiple Indian oil refiners and a prominent international energy firm have decided to discontinue using vessels that appear on Iran's recently issued blacklist. This policy extends to ship-to-ship transfer operations, as reported by sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The primary driver for this shift is mounting security concerns surrounding the use of such flagged vessels.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development means a reduced pool of eligible vessels for certain crude oil and petroleum product shipments, particularly those originating from or destined for regions where such blacklists are enforced or recognized. It could lead to increased scrutiny in vessel vetting processes and potentially higher costs or longer lead times if alternative, compliant tonnage is scarcer. Shippers will need to ensure their chosen carriers and vessels are not on any relevant blacklists to avoid disruptions and potential sanctions risks.
This move highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting maritime trade, particularly in the Middle East. Companies are increasingly factoring in non-compliance and security risks when chartering vessels, which can influence charter rates and vessel availability in specific trade lanes.
