Shipping operators remain reluctant to transit Strait of Hormuz

Ships in the Strait of Hormuz have been warned by Iran’s navy that any vessel attempting to pass without permission could be “targeted and destroyed,” BBC reports.

Although a two-week ceasefire in the wider US-Israel war with Iran includes a condition for safe passage, very few ships have actually resumed transit so far. According to BBC, early data shows only three ships crossing shortly after the ceasefire, compared to about 138 per day before the conflict. Many vessels are still stuck in the Gulf, with estimates of nearly 800 awaiting movement.

Analysts say it’s unclear whether crossings will increase soon, as crews remain cautious and risks, such as unclear permission processes, possible sea mines, and shifting routes closer to Iran’s coast, persist.

Meanwhile, according to international news, on 9 April Iran announced new alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz due to concerns about sea mines in the main channel, even as it agreed to temporarily reopen the vital passage under a two-week ceasefire with the United States.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards urged vessels to follow safer designated paths to avoid potential hazards. 

In addition, another major new complication is that Iran is expected to demand toll payments in cryptocurrency from shipping companies, particularly for fully loaded oil tankers, in order to allow passage and maintain control over the strait during the ceasefire.

source : safety4sea