Risk & markets
Sanctions / SDN list
Government measures restricting dealings with named entities, vessels or cargoes.
What is Sanctions / SDN list in shipping?
Restrictions imposed by bodies such as the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the EU or the UN that prohibit transactions with designated parties. OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list can name individual ships, forcing insurers, flags and ports to cut ties. Sanctions compliance is now central to chartering, payments and insurance in shipping.
Educational reference only — verify operational guidance with UKMTO, MSCHOA, your flag state, P&I club and legal counsel.
Related terms
- Dark fleet (shadow fleet) — Aging tankers that obscure ownership and switch off tracking to move sanctioned cargo.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System) — A transponder system that broadcasts a ship's identity, position and course.
- War-risk premium — Extra marine-insurance charge for sailing through a designated high-risk or war zone.