Strait of Hormuz
The Persian Gulf Waterway Management Authority has warned shipowners that some charterers are forcing vessels to navigate through unauthorized routes.
The authority explained that doing so increases the risk of financial and human losses for the vessel, its owner, captain, and crew. It also warned that the vessel could subsequently face serious restrictions when attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The authority stated that chartering companies found to be in violation would be added to a non-compliance list, and the transit of all vessels affiliated with those companies through the Strait of Hormuz would be restricted.
The authority also said that shipowners had sent an apology to Iran by email after a vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.
In their message, they stated that the violation had not occurred on the shipowner’s orders, nor as a result of negligence by the captain, but rather because of direct and coercive instructions from the charterer, amid intense commercial pressure.
They affirmed their recognition of the authority and jurisdiction of the Persian Gulf Waterway Management Authority over the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the regulations governing navigation through it, and requested the support of the relevant authorities under the current difficult circumstances.
Finally, local sources reported hearing explosions in the Strait of Hormuz.
These sounds are believed to have resulted either from warning detonations or from mines exploding after vessels deviated from the designated routes. However, there is no independent official confirmation of this at this time.