The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz has worsened significantly as Iran implements a new insurance requirement for commercial ships, claiming authority over maritime traffic. This move comes with threats of fo...
The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz has worsened significantly as Iran implements a new insurance requirement for commercial ships, claiming authority over maritime traffic. This move comes with threats of force against non-compliance.
INTERTANKO, a group that represents independent tanker operators, reported to gCaptain that Iranian officials have issued a detailed directive mandating vessels to obtain insurance approved by Iran to pass through the Strait.
There have been increasing reports of aggressive actions from Iran.
Tim Wilkins, managing director of INTERTANKO, stated, “We have received a report that warning shots were fired at vessels. This is not freedom of navigation; it is chaos.”
On Friday at 12:29 p.m. UK time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) transmitted a message over Marine Channel 16, which said:
“Since Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the departure of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these two conditions are met. All vessels have been instructed not to approach the Strait of Hormuz for their own safety and security. Any vessel that violates this order will be targeted.”
Wilkins added that IRGC boats reportedly fired warning shots in the Strait of Hormuz. He described this as “total aggression.”
gCaptain has seen a document from Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) that outlines a new system controlling ship passage. The directive requires vessels to buy insurance through a policy linked to the PGSA to sail through the Strait.
According to Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran, Iran was supposed to ensure safe passage for commercial ships, with no tolls charged in the first 60 days.
Both Trump and Iranian officials had previously stated that commercial shipping would resume immediately.
The agreement also suggested that Iran would talk with Oman about managing services in the Strait, with other Gulf states involved. Any agreements must comply with international law and respect the rights of the coastal states of the Strait.
Wilkins emphasized, “Paying insurance is a toll.”
All ships must have war risk and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance to operate in the area.
“We don’t know what this new ‘insurance’ actually is or who we’re paying in practice,” Wilkins remarked.
The document states that the PGSA is the “sole authority” responsible for processing applications, issuing permits, and handling inquiries related to this new insurance requirement.