Want to cross the Strait of Hormuz? Iran now wants permits and tolls

Iran has introduced a new transit authorisation system for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, formalising tighter control over one of the world’s most important shipping routes amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and growing tensions with the United States.

According to shipping industry journal Lloyd’s List, vessels seeking to cross the strait must now obtain permission from the newly-established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) and pay transit tolls before entering the waterway, per an NDTV report.

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New rules for ships crossing Hormuz

The report said the PGSA has issued a form titled “Vessel Information Declaration”, requiring ships to submit extensive details before being granted passage.

The form reportedly asks for information related to vessel ownership, insurance details, crew identities, cargo information and intended transit routes. Ships are also required to disclose previous vessel names, registration details, countries of origin and destination, and the nationalities of owners and operators.

Iranian broadcaster Press TV reported that Tehran had developed a “system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz”, adding that ships were receiving regulations through the email address info@PGSA.ir, per NDTV report.

The authority has instructed vessels to provide “complete and accurate information” before transit requests are processed. It also warned that any false or incomplete details would remain the responsibility of the applicant vessel.

Warnings to countries backing sanctions

Iranian officials have also warned countries supporting US sanctions against Tehran that they could face restrictions while crossing the strait.

“Countries that comply with the United States by imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly face difficulties crossing the strait,” Iranian army official Mohammad Akraminia told IRNA news agency.

“We have established a new legal and security system in the Strait of Hormuz. From now on, any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us,” he added.

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Iran has not officially announced exemptions for any country, though reports suggest India and Pakistan are among nations that have engaged with Tehran regarding passage for their flagged vessels.

Growing global tensions

The Strait of Hormuz has remained under severe strain since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict on February 28. Iran has allowed only limited shipping movement through the waterway, triggering a sharp rise in global energy prices.

The United States has meanwhile warned ships against paying Iranian authorities for transit and, alongside Bahrain, has pushed for a United Nations resolution calling on Tehran to end restrictions on shipping through the strait. Russia has reportedly indicated it may block the proposed resolution at the UN Security Council.