The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on a network accused of moving Iranian oil, naming eight vessels including one sailing under the Gambian flag.
The US Treasury Department said on August 21 that 13 companies, eight ships and one individual were blacklisted for operating a “shadow fleet” to evade sanctions on Iran’s petroleum exports.
The sanctioned vessels include crude carriers Adeline G, Ares, Giant, Kongm, and Lafit, as well as tankers Katsuya, Sondos, and Victory Ari. They operate under multiple flags, including Gambia, Panama and Hong Kong.
The crackdown also targets Greek national Antonios Margaritis and several shipping firms in Hong Kong, the UAE, and Marshall Islands, along with two Chinese oil storage companies.
The US says the measures are aimed at cutting off funds Iran uses for “destabilising activities.” Any assets linked to the sanctioned parties in US jurisdictions are frozen, and American entities are barred from doing business with them.
Gambia’s open ship registry has faced criticism for being used as a “flag of convenience” by foreign operators, raising calls for stricter oversight.
