US Sanctions Vessels for Allegedly Aiding Houthi Efforts

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on three vessels and their owning companies for allegedly supporting the Houthis.

Zaas Shipping & Trading, based in the Marshall Islands, is accused of helping deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa port using the Tulip BZ, a vessel registered under the flag of San Marino. The Tulip BZ has also reportedly transported petroleum products for Iran.

Bagsak Shipping, registered in Mauritius, allegedly arranged the delivery of gas oil to Ras Isa via the Panama-flagged vessel Maisan. Since February 2023, the Maisan has also been linked to exports of Russian crude oil and refined products from Russian ports.

Meanwhile, Great Success Shipping, another company registered in the Marshall Islands, is accused of facilitating gas oil shipments to Ras Isa using the White Whale, which also sails under the Panamanian flag.

“Today’s action underscores our commitment to disrupt the Houthis’ efforts to fund their dangerous and destabilising attacks in the region,” stated Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender. “Treasury will continue to leverage our tools and authorities to target those who seek to enable the Houthis’ ability to exploit the people of Yemen and continue their campaign of violence.”