OFAC Delists Altomare SA and Vessel Kallista from SDN List

Crowell & Moring Trade Blog

Published January 21st, 2026

Detected March 1st, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on January 21, 2026, the removal of Greek maritime company Altomare SA and its vessel, Kallista, from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. The entities were originally designated in November 2025.

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What changed

On January 21, 2026, OFAC announced the delisting of Altomare SA and its vessel, Kallista, from the SDN List. These entities were initially designated in November 2025 as part of a counter-terrorism sanctions action targeting Iran's "shadow fleet." OFAC had alleged that Kallista transported Iranian oil on behalf of a sanctioned entity. Altomare SA claimed it was a victim of maritime identity theft, with another vessel posing as Kallista.

While OFAC did not confirm the reason for the delisting, this action highlights the risks of sanctions evasion tactics like spoofing and document fraud in maritime trade. Companies involved in maritime trade should enhance their due diligence, monitor vessel activity closely (including AIS data and shipment timelines), and conduct regular screenings. Prompt engagement with OFAC by parties who believe they have been misidentified is also encouraged.

What to do next

Enhance due diligence on maritime trade activities.
Closely monitor vessel activity, including AIS data and shipment timelines.
Conduct regular screening for adverse information on counterparties.

Source document (simplified)

On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the removal of Greek maritime company Altomare SA and its vessel, Kallista, from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (SDN List).

OFAC originally designated Altomare SA and Kallista in November 2025 as part of a counter terrorism sanctions action targeting Iran’s “shadow fleet” and associated networks. OFAC alleged that Kallista had transported nearly four million barrels of Iranian oil on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan, a U.S.-sanctioned entity, between January and February 2025. Altomare SA publicly challenged OFAC’s allegations and sought review of the designation.

While OFAC never publicly comments on the reason for a delisting, Altomare SA stated that the company was the victim of maritime identity theft. It asserted that a U.S.-sanctioned vessel (Limas) posed as Kallista while trading to Iran, using fake AIS tracking signals and forged documents. OFAC did not confirm whether this information was the reason for OFAC’s decision to delist Altomare SA and Kallista.

This development underscores the increasing sophistication of sanctions evasion tactics, including spoofing and documentation fraud, particularly with respect to sanctioned vessels. Companies engaged in maritime trade should continue to closely monitor vessel activity (e.g., their AIS data, whether the timelines of their shipments make sense, whether the ports visited make sense), check for adverse information, and conduct due diligence screenings regularly. The delisting also highlights the value of prompt engagement and transparent communication with OFAC when parties believe they have been misidentified or otherwise designated based on inaccurate information.

Crowell & Moring will continue to monitor developments related to sanctions and their potential impact to industry.

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Crowell & Moring is a full-service international law firm that represents major businesses – both public and private – in complex high-stakes litigation, enforcement, regulatory and administrative, transactional matters, and government and internal investigations. Our Trade Law Blog features legal insight and thought-leadership affecting the industries and business reliant and affected by international trade.