Discover the Halo-6: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant move to curb illicit oil trading, the US government has launched sanctions against various entities and vessels tied to the transportation of Iranian oil. These sanctions aim to disrupt funding channels utilized by militant groups, particularly Hezbollah and Iran's Quds Force (IRGC-QF). Among the vessels affected are the 'Confidence P' (IMO: 9178044), 'Nova' (IMO: 9231224), 'Rival' (IMO: 9117818), and 'Tiyara' (IMO: 9231224). These ships are linked to Abdul Jalil Mallah and his brother, Luay al-Mallah, the latter of whom has recently been added to the sanctions roster. Abdul Jalil Mallah has gained notoriety in the illicit shipping industry for facilitating Iranian oil shipments that benefit both Hezbollah and the IRGC-QF. The sanctions cover both individuals and their associated assets within US jurisdiction. Moreover, Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd. has also faced sanctions, encompassing three of its vessels— the 'Eternal Success' (IMO: 9307633), 'Eternal 8' (IMO: 9232448), and 'Eternal Peace' (IMO: 9259745). These vessels have reportedly conducted voyages that breached US sanctions against the IRGC-QF as recently as July 2024, employing tactics like ship-to-ship transfers and AIS spoofing to mask their activities. Another vessel, the 'Serene I' (IMO: 9197832), has been sanctioned due to its involvement in transporting oil from Iran to China on behalf of Concepto Screen SAL Offshore, a firm suspected of links to Hezbollah. The tanker’s owner, Dragon Road Ltd., registered in the Marshall Islands, has also been sanctioned. Additionally, the 'Feng Tau' (IMO: 9248473) has been accused of transporting Iranian oil to mainland China, leading to sanctions on both the vessel and its Hong Kong-based owner, Tai Feng Hai Shipping Ltd.