Iran Expands Hormuz Blacklist to 240 Ships as Sinokor and KOTC Fleets Come Under Scrutiny

Iran has significantly escalated its enforcement posture in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA) expanding its non-compliance blacklist to approximately 240 ships — nearly double its previous size — according to reporting by Seatrade Maritime. The latest expansion specifically targets vessels operated by South Korean carrier Sinokor Merchant Marine and the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). In a notable escalation of enforcement language, Iranian authorities have confirmed that all Sinokor-operated ships will be treated in the same manner as those formally blacklisted, even if individual vessels have not yet been added to the published list. This effectively extends punitive measures across an entire fleet rather than targeting specific vessels. The PGSA blacklist, formally known as the non-compliance register, is used by Iranian authorities to restrict or deny passage through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most strategically critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade transits daily. The rapid expansion of the list raises significant operational concerns for shipowners, operators, and charterers with vessels trading in the Persian Gulf region. Being placed on the blacklist can result in vessels being denied passage, boarded, or detained by Iranian naval or coastguard forces, creating substantial commercial and safety risks. The targeting of Sinokor, a major South Korean shipping group with a broad tanker and bulk carrier fleet, and KOTC, the national tanker operator of Kuwait, signals that Iran is widening its enforcement net beyond previously sanctioned or flagged operators. The precise grounds for non-compliance cited by the PGSA were not immediately detailed in available reports. For charterers and voyage planners routing vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the development underscores the need for up-to-date compliance checks against the PGSA register prior to transit. War risk underwriters and P&I clubs are also likely to be monitoring the situation closely, given the potential implications for hull and cargo coverage in the event of an incident involving a blacklisted vessel. The Strait of Hormuz has remained a focal point of geopolitical tension in recent years, with Iran periodically seizing or harassing commercial vessels as leverage in broader diplomatic disputes. The latest blacklist expansion suggests Tehran is prepared to use maritime access as a continued instrument of pressure. Seatrade Maritime first reported the development. Operators with vessels trading in the region are advised to consult flag state advisories and legal counsel regarding compliance obligations.