The sanctions on Iran have led to a growing number of unemployed container ships at state-owned Iran Shipping Lines, IRISL.

Analyst firm Alphaliner notes that the problems for IRISL's container business "have continued to escalate." Right now 19 of the company's ships are unemployed, including three ships operated by Reach Shipping Line. An additional ship is expected to soon become unemployed as a result of the US' list of ships subject to the sanctions.