Iran LPG Carriers Breach U.S. Navy Blockade via High-Risk Tactics

Small-scale Iranian energy exports are successfully evading the U.S. Navy blockade in the Gulf of Oman, with at least nine vessels breaching the line since mid-July. While the White House maintains the blockade is 100 percent effective against large-scale crude shipments, tracking data from United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI) confirms that LPG carriers and smaller tankers are finding gaps in the net.

The most prominent example is the LPG carrier Sogl, which was sanctioned by the U.S. government in October. The vessel allegedly loaded 500,000 barrels of LPG at Assaluyeh in August before successfully transiting the blockade line. According to UANI, the vessel reached Malaysian waters—a known hub for shadow fleet operations—before delivering its cargo to China.

The Volatility Deterrent

The continued movement of LPG suggests that the inherent danger of the cargo may be providing these vessels with a tactical advantage. UANI senior analyst Jemima Shelley noted that LPG carriers may be a lower priority for U.S. interdiction due to the extreme risks associated with kinetic engagement. A fire or explosion involving volatile propane during a boarding or seizure attempt would be catastrophic, potentially deterring aggressive intervention.

To facilitate these exports, some operators are employing high-risk ship-to-ship (STS) transfers within the Gulf of Oman. While STS operations are common for crude oil, performing them with pressurized or refrigerated LPG in contested waters significantly increases the operational hazard profile for the crews and vessels involved. This willingness to accept extreme safety risks appears to be a prerequisite for bypassing the current naval presence.

The findings partially validate American claims of a successful blockade regarding crude oil, as no large-scale shipments have been observed breaking through. However, the success of the Sogl and eight other small tankers indicates that the “100 percent effective” metric does not apply to the specialized gas trade or smaller tonnage.

UANI confirmed the Sogl’s arrival at the Eastern Outer Port Limits Anchorage off Malaysia by chartering a supply boat to visit the vessel at anchor. This location remains a primary gathering point for tankers operating within the Iranian shadow fleet network.

Source: The Maritime Executive