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On December 3, 2024, the United States government unveiled a significant round of sanctions targeting 35 vessels and entities implicated in the transportation of Iranian petroleum and its derivatives to international markets. This decisive action follows Iranian assaults on Israel which occurred on October 1, as well as recent provocative announcements regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. The primary aim of these sanctions is to impede Iran's nuclear ambitions, hinder the advancement of their drone and missile technology, and restrict funding to terrorist proxies by curtailing the revenue generated from oil sales. Among the 35 sanctions issued, 18 tankers have been directly identified, accused of having transported millions of barrels of oil for Iran. These sanctions extend beyond vessels, encompassing a variety of entities that manage, operate, and facilitate the sale of Iranian oil. Notable tankers under sanction include the 'Rioo Napo' and 'Lara II', both connected to the Indian entity, Vision Ship Management LLP, which has also faced sanctions. The 'Rioo Napo' has been previously reported transporting Iranian Naphtha to the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the tanker 'Tonil' has a history of evading sanctions and is linked to the transport of millions of barrels of Iranian oil. Owned and managed by the sanctioned Ukrainian company Lightship Management Ltd., 'Tonil' raises significant concerns, particularly as the Indian company Tightship Shipping Management (OPC) Private Ltd. is also noted for its connection to the vessel's management. This significant move is part of ongoing efforts by the US to disrupt Iranian oil exports and mitigate threats posed by its nuclear program and regional destabilization tactics.

On May 10, 2018, the oil tanker Nave Photon encountered a significant engine failure in the Indian Ocean, leading to a complete loss of power. Urgently responding to the situation, Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd. was engaged to provide salvage services under the LOF 2011 agreement. Fortunately, the SCOPIC clause was not activated during this incident. Following the successful salvage operation, the Nave Photon reached Colombo Roads on May 16 at 03:30 a.m. The vessel then resumed its journey, departing on May 18 with Singapore as its final destination and an estimated arrival date of May 24.

In March, the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), the largest privately owned crude terminal in the U.S., loaded its second very large crude carrier (VLCC) with American crude oil. The Nave Photon, chartered by Houston's Shell Trading Company US, is en route to Asia, as reported by market insiders and confirmed by Reuters vessel tracking information. The specific grade of U.S. crude aboard the VLCC has not been disclosed. As of now, LOOP representatives have not provided a comment regarding the shipment. It's noteworthy that this follows the successful completion of LOOP's inaugural VLCC loading operation just last month, marking a significant step in the export capabilities of U.S. crude oil.