Iran has placed two vessels directly linked to India — LNG tanker Disha and bulk carrier Maha Roos — on a blacklist of 45 ships accused of violating Tehran’s rules for navigating the Strait of Hormuz, escalating risks for Indian shipping and energy supplies through the strategically vital waterway.
Disha and Maha Roos Named
The Disha, an LNG carrier sailing under the Maltese flag, is managed by the Shipping Corporation of India and is on a long-term charter to Petronet LNG. Maha Roos is a bulk carrier associated with India-based entities. A wider vessel-by-vessel analysis has identified additional ships on Iran’s list with connections to Indian ports, voyages or management.
Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) announced the 45-vessel blacklist, alleging that the ships had failed to comply with Iranian arrangements governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has previously demanded that shipowners obtain clearance for transit and comply with its security procedures.
Iran Threatens Fines, Detention and Confiscation
The consequences could be significant. Iran has warned that blacklisted vessels could face fines, detention or even confiscation of their cargoes during future passages.
Tehran has also threatened action against other vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfers with ships on the blacklist, potentially expanding the impact far beyond the original 45 vessels.
Vessels seeking removal from the blacklist can submit formal applications and supporting explanations to the PGSA.
Indian Oil Refiners React to Iran’s Warning
In the latest development on August 26, at least three Indian oil refiners and a major international energy company are planning to avoid blacklisted vessels because of security concerns, according to Reuters sources.
One Indian refinery source said the company would avoid chartered vessels dealing with non-compliant ships, including through ship-to-ship transfers involving Middle Eastern cargoes.
The response shows that Iran’s blacklist is already affecting commercial decisions even before it is clear how aggressively Tehran will enforce the restrictions.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to India
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors and is particularly critical for Asian economies dependent on Middle Eastern oil and gas.
Before the current conflict disrupted shipping, the Gulf accounted for roughly 20% of global daily crude-oil and LNG supplies, making any further restriction potentially significant for freight rates, insurance costs and energy prices.
India has already strengthened precautions for vessels and seafarers operating in the region. The government says it maintains real-time monitoring and has issued advisories urging heightened caution around the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Iranian waters.
Hormuz Shipping Risks Rise Further
Iran’s blacklist comes as Tehran and Oman discuss proposals for a temporary navigational corridor through Hormuz. However, normal shipping through the strait remains severely disrupted.
The latest move creates another complication: companies must now consider not only the security risks of crossing Hormuz but also whether their ships—or vessels with which they conduct cargo transfers—could face Iranian enforcement action.
For India, the immediate concern is therefore broader than the two named ships. Any tightening of Hormuz restrictions could affect crude oil and LNG transportation, shipping costs and India’s wider energy supply chain.
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