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Norwegian authorities strongly advise all Norwegian-flagged vessels to avoid sailing in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.   Photo: Steinar Haugberg

Revising security measures in the Strait of Hormuz

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) is maintaining the current security level for the area in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with some clarifications, but has revised its guidance from a formal prohibition to a strong recommendation. to avoid the area.

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“It is important to emphasise that it remains inadvisable to enter the Strait of Hormuz, and that the security level established when the attacks on Iran began remains in force,” says Director General of Shipping and Navigation Alf Tore Sørheim. 

Following questions as to whether there was sufficient legal basis to impose a prohibition, the NMA has reviewed the matter. The conclusion is that the term ‘prohibition’ was stricter than the legal mandate allows. The NMA has therefore reverted to strongly advising against transit in the area. The following clarifications have also been included in the security-level notice: 

Norwegian authorities strongly advise all Norwegian-flagged vessels to avoid sailing in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The following guidance applies: 

  • Transit into the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian territorial waters and Iran’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is strongly discouraged. 
  • Vessels already in the Persian Gulf may leave areas assessed at Security Level 3 or, if necessary, reposition within the region if the situation permits .  
  • Vessels operating in areas assessed at Security Level 3 should undertake enhanced risk assessments and maintain continuous vigilance. 

“We regret that the legal framework was not assessed thoroughly enough. At the same time, it is important to emphasise that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly serious and unpredictable, with attacks on civilian vessels and reports of mine-laying. In this context, we also have a duty of care towards the seafarers affected by the crisis. The situation was serious when we issued the prohibition, and it remains so,” Sørheim points out. 

He highlights the important cooperation between the NMA, companies, organisations and other key stakeholders. 

Updated information on security levels for the Strait of Hormuz and other areas can be found here: 
https://www.sdir.no/en/accidents-and-safety/maritim-sikring/security-level-for-norwegian-vessels/