On May 7 (US time), CNN reported that Iran is applying a new procedure for ships wishing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, in the context of Tehran seeking to consolidate control of this strategic maritime route.
According to documents accessed by CNN, Iran has issued a form called "Ship Information Declaration", issued by the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Ships wishing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz must complete this form before moving, if they want to be guaranteed safe passage.
The document was accessed by CNN through Lloyd's List and a source in the shipping industry. Accordingly, ships must provide more than 40 groups of information, including ship name, identification number, old name if any, country of origin, destination, nationality of owner, operating unit, crew and cargo details.
Declaration information must be sent via email to the Iranian agency before the ship passes through the strait. An email believed to be from this agency clearly states that providing complete and accurate information is a necessary condition to handle transit requests. If the information is wrong or missing, the applicant will be responsible for the consequences arising.
It is not yet clear whether any shipping lines have submitted applications to the new Iranian agency. Some experts warn that complying with this requirement could put businesses at risk of violating US sanctions.
CNN also said that Iran is said to have requested some payments for ships to be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Treasury Department previously affirmed that citizens, financial institutions and entities controlled by the US are not allowed to pay directly or indirectly to the Iranian government or IRGC in exchange for the right to pass through the strait.
Meanwhile, US naval blockades of transportation to and from Iranian ports continue. According to CNN, about 20,000 sailors on nearly 1,000 ships are trapped in the Persian Gulf.
Lloyd's List data shows that only 40 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the week up to May 3, much lower than the average of about 120 passes per day before the war. Experts say that if the control situation lasts, transportation through this strait is unlikely to return to normal soon.
