Singapore-based company SeaLead has encountered new restrictions on expanding its operations following the imposition of US Treasury Department sanctions against six of its vessels. These measures were introduced in connection with allegations of supporting interests linked to Tehran.

The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit, claiming that SeaLead provided transportation services to entities controlled by Iranian official Ali Shamkhani, and is seeking the seizure of approximately $2.4 million associated with the financing of an illicit Iranian oil network.

As part of increased pressure, the US Treasury Department added SeaLead, its subsidiaries, and several vessels with a capacity of around 10,500 TEU to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, citing accusations of transporting cargo in support of the Houthis.

This marks the first time that SeaLead and its vessels have been directly subjected to sanctions by US government agencies. The measures were implemented amid the company’s difficulties in maintaining operational activities.

As a result of the imposed restrictions, all assets and property interests of the designated parties located in the US or under the control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Organizations that are directly or indirectly, individually or jointly, owned 50% or more by one or more blocked persons are also subject to blocking.

In July 2025, the US Department of Justice ordered SeaLead to return 16 vessels that were under sanctions. Subsequently, the carrier was forced to return even more chartered ships, reducing its fleet from 208,000 TEU in May 2025 to less than 70,000 TEU after the latest decision.

Following the reduction of SeaLead’s fleet, China United Lines took over the management of vessels that had been prematurely returned to Greek owner Danaos.