Tehran, 26 June (H.S.): Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Affairs Authority (PGSA) has directed all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to strictly adhere to the designated transit routes. The authority warned that ships deviating from the prescribed navigation corridors would not be entitled to guarantees of safe passage, insurance protection or any related liabilities.
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the PGSA said in a statement issued on Thursday that compliance with the transit routes designated by Iranian authorities is mandatory to ensure safe and orderly navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It added that any vessel choosing to operate outside the approved framework would be considered outside the scope of guaranteed safe passage and official security arrangements.
The authority clarified that if any accident, security incident or other damage occurs as a result of sailing through unauthorised routes, full responsibility will rest with the vessel's owner, operator and captain. In such cases, the Iranian authorities will not accept any liability.
The statement said the directive was issued following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States. Under the agreement, transit procedures and operational guidelines were established to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the PGSA, vessels that submit transit requests in accordance with the prescribed procedures will be given priority for expedited passage. Ships are required to submit their applications through the authority's official channels at least 48 hours before entering the designated transit zone of the Strait. The application must also include valid communication details.
The authority further announced that no transit fees will be charged during the first 60 days after the new system comes into effect. During this period, the Iranian government will bear the costs associated with security, navigational safety, environmental services and the related Iranian insurance coverage.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
