US Targets Iran’s Shadow Fleet With Sanctions On Tankers And Hong Kong Oil Network
The United States on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s so-called “dark fleet” and oil trading networks accused of helping Tehran export petroleum and petrochemical products in violation of US sanctions.
The US Departments of State and Treasury said the measures target entities, individuals and vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iranian oil and generating revenue for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s military and regional proxy groups. According to the State Department, eight entities and eight vessels were identified as blocked property for transporting Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products.
Sanctions Target Entities And Vessels
US authorities said the sanctions are aimed at reducing revenue that Iran allegedly uses to support regional military activities, proxy groups and overseas operations. Among the companies sanctioned was Hong Kong-based EVER SHINING LIMITED, identified as the commercial manager and registered owner of the tankers MAYMEI and FLORA.
The US also designated Marshall Islands-based CRYSTAL BLUE SKY INC, commercial manager of the tanker ILL GAP, which authorities said carried Iranian-origin petroleum and other illicit cargoes between 2025 and 2026. Additional sanctions targeted UAE-based SYMPHONY SHIPPING AND MARITIME MANAGEMENT INC, linked to the tanker HAUNCAYO, and VANGUARD MARINE VENTURES INC, associated with the LPG tanker GAS NORA.
Hong Kong Oil Network Sanctioned
The US Treasury separately imposed sanctions on a Hong Kong-based oil sales network accused of facilitating the movement of “tens of millions of barrels” of Iranian oil worth billions of dollars. Washington said the network helped fund the IRGC, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and the country’s military apparatus through the storage, transport and sale of Iranian oil.
US Authorities Warn Shipping Companies And Financial Institutions
US authorities also warned shipping companies, traders and financial institutions that entities involved in Iranian oil trade could face sanctions exposure. The State Department said vessels involved in Iran’s oil exports often use deceptive shipping practices, including “dark activity” and ship-to-ship transfers, to move cargoes to buyers in third countries.
Rewards For Justice Programme Launched
The announcement also highlighted the Rewards for Justice programme, which is offering up to USD15 million for information that could help disrupt the financial operations of the IRGC and the IRGC-Qods Force. US authorities said they are seeking information related to oil-for-money schemes, sanctions evasion networks, front companies and financial institutions allegedly facilitating IRGC-linked transactions.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Orders 13224 and 13846 as part of Washington’s “Economic Fury” campaign against Iran.
Original Article: U.S. Targets Iran’s Shadow Fleet With Sanctions On Tankers And Hong Kong Oil Network — Marineinsight