Sanctioned Iranian Cargo Vessel Completes Red Sea Passage

A sanctioned Iranian cargo vessel, with a history of potential involvement in shipping arms to Syria, recently completed a journey up the Red Sea.

The Iranian-owned cargo vessel Elyana (IMO: 9165827) was tracked on May 3, as it entered the southern end of the Suez Canal. By the end of the day, the AIS signal confirmed its transit through the canal.

Departing from Bandar Abbas on April 18, the 15,670 GT vessel made a stop in Jebel Ali before continuing its journey on April 21. Not making any additional port calls along the way, the Elyana took longer than usual to cover the Jebel Ali to Suez leg of its voyage.

Listed by name and subject to secondary sanctions by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the vessel is linked to the sanctioned entity, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

Equipped with deck davit cranes, the Elyana has the capability to off-load cargo at unsophisticated ports, potentially including Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This raises concerns about illicit activities given the vessel’s history.

In June 2024, the Elyana unloaded cargo in Latakia, Syria, which originated from Bandar Abbas. This port is known to have been used as a hub for arms imports destined for Hezbollah and the Assad regime, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-controlled arms facilities in the area later that year.

As the Elyana continues its journey northwards at 9.5 knots, its destination remains undisclosed. The vessel is currently declaring Benghazi, Libya as its destination.

On April 30, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to Iran via his personal X account, highlighting Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels and the consequences it may face for its actions.