PGSA says ships need to submit transit applications 48 hours before crossing the Hormuz.
TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD – The US-Iran peace deal forced Iranian authorities to open the key maritime checkpoint in the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran announced that all ships wishing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain prior authorization and coordinate their transit with Iranian authorities under a newly implemented framework.
The Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA), the coordinating body under the Islamic Republic of Iran, has issued a notice asking ship owners and operators to submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arrival at the strait. Vessels must also obtain approval for scheduled routes and scheduled times of passage before entering the waterway.
The move comes amid growing regional security concerns and ongoing maritime threats in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow corridor through which much of the world’s offshore oil and gas exports pass.
It said that vessels complying with the new procedure would be allowed to pass under the Islamabad MoU during the 60-day period. Iran said that all costs associated with security, navigation safety, environmental protection services and related Iranian insurance requirements during the interim arrangements will be paid by the Iranian government.
Maritime analysts see the waiver of transit-related charges as a significant incentive aimed at encouraging participation in the new system while ensuring that shippers adhere to the authority’s routing and scheduling requirements.
The notice emphasizes the presence of mine-prone areas near transit routes, stressing that pre-approved routing and timing are essential to reduce maritime hazards and prevent maritime incidents. The authority warned that ship owners who fail to comply with prescribed routes or schedules will be responsible for any resulting consequences.
The provision states that service and insurance fees will not be collected during the initial 60-day period. The language has fueled speculation that Iran may introduce a formal fee structure for security, safety, environmental and insurance services after the temporary arrangements expire.
If fully implemented, the framework would represent one of the most significant changes to the Strait of Hormuz transit regime in recent years, potentially giving Iranian authorities a greater operational role in coordinating vessel movements through the vital waterway.
Any changes to transit requirements or operational controls will therefore attract close attention from shipping companies, insurers, energy markets and governments around the world.
The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The post Ships must submit transit applications 48 hours before crossing Hormuz, says PGSA appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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