On November 12, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions against 32 companies and individuals linked to the supply of components for Iranian drones and missiles. The list includes shipping, logistics, and brokerage firms from the UAE, Cyprus, China, Turkey, India, Germany, and Ukraine, working on behalf of the Iranian defense industry.
Washington is focusing particular attention on the maritime sector. The sanctions list includes Koban Shipping L.L.C., Crios Shipping L.L.C., and Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), companies that managed vessels carrying dual-use equipment. Also sanctioned are GMCG Shipping L.L.C. (UAE) and GMCG Ltd. (Cyprus), entities linked to servicing Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet.” These vessels were used to circumvent trade restrictions and transport Iranian oil and components under the flags of third countries.
Furthermore, GK Imperativ Ukraina LLC and Ekofera LLC, both registered in Ukraine, are mentioned on the list as intermediaries involved in logistics operations for the Iranian network Parchin Chemical Industries.
For seafarers and shipowners, this news signifies increased international scrutiny. Vessels associated with these companies may already face increased scrutiny from port authorities, insurance companies, and banks. In some cases, this leads to delays, charter cancellations, or denial of P&I Club insurance.
Intensified inspections are also likely when vessels enter ports in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. Any discrepancies in documentation, questionable freight chains, or involvement in shipments with final destinations in Iran could raise suspicions and lead to the seizure of the cargo or vessel.
🧭 Important information for seafarers and ship managers:
- If a vessel has changed its manager, flag, or name in recent months, it’s worth checking whether it appears in sanctions databases (OFAC, EU Sanctions Map, Lloyd’s List Intelligence).
- Crews working on vessels with routes to the Persian Gulf should be prepared for additional checks and inspections.
- It is not recommended to accept contracts from brokers and operators whose names or email addresses are similar to sanctioned companies—clones are often created to circumvent restrictions.
⚓️ The global shipping industry is increasingly finding itself at the center of geopolitical games. Sanctions against Iran directly affect not only government agencies but also those providing transportation, insurance, and technical management of ships. For seafarers, this means new risks—from voyage delays to unforeseen legal consequences.