The Arabian Gulf has seen a further cycle of violence with attacks on ships and shore installations. Two tankers were struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in multiple casualties and one seafarer killed. Another chemical tanker was struck by an anti-ship cruise missile while sailing in the Gulf of Oman; this latter incident appears to have been an error in targeting by Iran who fired at a warship and hit the merchant ship. Such incidents highlight the threat which extends across the whole region, from Kuwait and out into the Gulf of Oman.
US airstrikes against Iranian targets have continued throughout the week, focusing mostly upon Iranian infrastructure capable of attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US also reintroduced its blockade on all ports in Iran and has extended it to cover any ship receiving Iranian products via ship-to-ship transfer. Iran has countered these attacks by striking US targets in multiple regional countries as well as some civilian infrastructure.
In response to multiple attacks affecting Indian seafarers, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration has issued circular number DGMA 36 of 2026 released on 15 July 2026 on measures affecting Indian seafarers. In section 4, b of this notice it states that:
“Ship Owners, Ship Managers and seafarer placement companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.”
It should be noted that this does not prohibit Indian nationals from sailing on ships passing through the Strait, however, steps should be documented to ensure that the threat to seafarers is analysed and overt permission is given by the seafarers.
While talks continue focusing upon the technical implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June, there is no expectation that the tit-for-tat attacks between Iran and the US will be halted. Ships are likely to remain a significant target for Iran, with the latest attack taking place in the early hours of this morning (17 July) in the Southern route off Oman.
For the Southern Red Sea and the threat from the Houthis, the Joint Maritime Information Centre assesses that the Houthis are not preparing for attacks on ships despite the provocation following the attack on Sanaa airport by Saudi Arabia.
Gulf Region Update 10 July: Reduction in traffic following fresh cycle of violence
Once again attacks have occurred on ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on 7 July.
This, in turn, prompted retaliatory strikes by the US and a continued cycle of the trading of blows between the two countries. The attacks by both sides have been stronger and more widespread than during other breakdowns of the ceasefire, which have also included considerable attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. At the time of writing, the Gulf region appears to be quiet following two days of strikes, despite the unprecedented level of rhetoric from both sides.
Transits through the Southern route along the coast of Oman have dropped to single figures at the time of writing. Through the Northern route, along the coast of Iran, numbers are holding above 20 and the IMO’s self-styled evacuation plan remains on hold.
Such movements are a long way off the 70+ transits seen following the signing of the agreement between the US and Iran.
Technical talks have continued between the US and Iran despite the words from the leaderships, which appear to be focused on both the nuclear aspects as well as the arrangements from the Gulf.
Gulf Region Update 3 July: Slow but steady progress in Middle East talks
Face-to-face talks commenced in Qatar between the United States and Iran. The basis for much of the discussions is the agenda set by the MoU agreed between them. Since these talks have commenced no threats against, nor attacks on, ships have occurred in the Gulf region.
Since the attacks on the Ever Lovely and Kiku over the last weekend, traffic through the Strait has increased. This has been facilitated by the widening of the Southern route along the Omani coast, introduction of a two-way route, and the advice that navigational lights and equipment can be switched on during transit. Both the Northern and Southern routes have now reached approximately 50% of the pre-war level.
Planning for the international coalition continues, and INTERTANKO joined a briefing on the proposals on 2 July. These proposals are currently under development and need considerable input from industry prior to them being put into practice. They will focus around mine-clearance using the UK and German capabilities that are in the region with support from other countries such as the air component of the French naval force in the area.
The IMO evacuation plan remains on hold due to the lack of firm commitments from Iran to not target ships. It is hoped that this will be resuscitated or even morphed into a new system to support shipping.
Gulf Region Update – Latest advice on transits through the Strait of Hormuz and wider Gulf region – 29 June
The following advice has been developed by INTERTANKO’s advisory group on security. New text is shown in bold and underlined.
• Follow the BMP Maritime Security, Industry Safe Navigation Guidance and report as required.
• Follow the Industry Guidance for Vessel Transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
• If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
• Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
• Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
• If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
• Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces. Decisions relating to compliance with PGSA requirements ultimately remain a matter for individual owners, who should assess the associated sanctions, contractual and insurance risks and seek advice where appropriate.
• Ships passing through the Strait and following novel routes, such as the Southern Omani route, should only do so following thorough risk and navigational assessments, taking into account the very latest information from competent authorities.
• Following the ship specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
• As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
• Undertake a shipboard security drill.
• Only rely upon information from trusted sources.
IMO pauses evacuation scheme as transits continue in defiance of Iranian threats
On 25 June, an Iranian drone hit a containership that was transiting outbound from the Gulf. Fortunately, no seafarers were injured in the attack. The ship was following the Southern Route along the Omani coast and was taking part in the US facilitated transits and was not taking part in the recently introduced IMO evacuation plan.
The IMO launched their evacuation plan this week, based upon the two established routes for ships to leave the Gulf.
The IMO Secretary General speaking on 25 June stated:
“I have been informed of an attack today in the Gulf of Oman. Seafarer safety remains paramount. To ensure coordinated approach & navigational safety, the IMO evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity.”
Despite this attack, ships continued to transit through the Southern route with four ships entering the Gulf and 33 departing.
In the lead up to the attack, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were calling ships following the Southern route stating that only the Northern, Iranian, route was authorised under the joint agreement with the US. Despite the language contained with the agreement, this assertion by the IRGC is contested by the US and others. Further, the Omani government is able to put in place a route of their choosing in their territorial waters based upon their sovereign rights.
Intense diplomatic discussions continue and it is expected that the IMO evacuation plan will be restarted. Whilst that diplomacy continues, the US-facilitated route continues to support shipping. It is further expected that, due to the efforts of the US Navy to clear mines, the Southern route will be expanded to facilitate two-way routeing.
Gulf Region Situational Update – 19 June
Following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the 18 June, multiple developments have now come into play.
Iran is now able to restart its exports of oil, gas and chemicals following the issuance of waivers for sanctions to be issued by the US, and the removal of the US blockade.
The Northern (Iranian) route is now in full operation and takes the form of two-sea lanes – use of this route is controlled by the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA). INTERTANKO suggests consulting with your ship’s P&I Club on whether any issues relating to non-US sanctions remain.
While the Northern route is open, it appears the Iranians are taking an active role in managing traffic. Overnight, 18/19 June, Iran called several ships stating that they do not have permission to transit.
The Southern (Omani) route is also in full operation and takes the form of a single recommended route, bounded to the North by a mined area and to the South by the coast of Oman. While this is open for all, the route is administered by the US.
For the Southern route, the US has stated that ships do not need to register with them to follow it, however, due to its width, coordination is advised.
In other developments, it is expected that a mine danger area will be issued as a navigational warning through the NAVAREA 9 system on NAVTEXT. This is available upon request from the US, however, they are not freely distributing it at this time.
The IMO continues to work on its exit evacuation plan, which will focus solely on ships exiting and not entering the Gulf. This is due to be published in the form of a navigational notice, however some diplomatic and practical issues remain.
Mine clearance has not officially started as yet and according to the MoU, the State with primary responsibility is Iran. It is unclear if European mine clearance capability is within the immediate area, nor if permission has been granted for them to conduct operations.
Gulf Region update – 18 June: INTERTANKO sets out practical steps to support safe transits through the Strait of Hormuz
INTERTANKO is calling for urgent clarity on the practical steps needed to support the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. While the agreement that formally ends the conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America is welcome, shipowners need certainty about the practical steps to ensure the safety of navigation and the security of seafarers, to be agreed and implemented.
INTERTANKO sees the two-step reopening of the Straits as a process in which the practical realities and safety of navigation need to be prioritised.
First and foremost, clearing the main internationally recognised traffic separation scheme (TSS) of all mine threats must be a priority. Upon completion, a clear and unequivocal message from all Governments involved needs to be issued to the industry.
During the interim period, while the TSS is being cleared and prior to it being officially declared safe for transit, there needs to be greater clarity on the two alternative Northern and Southern route options to ensure the safe transit of vessels into and out of the Gulf.
Key vessel management and transit information needs to be considered, agreed on, and communicated to ships in the region and to those intending to transit the Strait. If the two TSS-alternative routes are to be used during the interim period, then there needs to be clarity on the following points:
• Mine clearance to start at the earliest point.
• Mine danger areas need to be published.
• Jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems should cease.
• Ships should be assured that they will no longer be subject to attack.
• Assurance that the threat of mines has been eliminated from these alternative routes.
• A command-and-control system should be put in place to manage the traffic during the early stages. If 550 ships are aiming to leave and a likely 60 ships per day would look to transit the Strait of Hormuz, then the existing routes are inadequate to handle this.
• How vessels will be managed in terms of transit times and available ‘slots’, including how such transits will be booked and with which entity/single-point of contact
• A single point of contact, preferably for the entire Strait, but in the interim for each route, with close coordination between them.
• Clarity on procedures in terms of who to report to and when.
• The Southern routes moved offshore, the lanes widened, and a lateral separation created between the directions of flow.
Once the main TSS is returned to operation as the primary route, the Northern and Southern routes should be closed.
INTERTANKO Marine Director Phillip Belcher commented, “As we move forward, the status of transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz needs to be emphasised. Article 5 of the MoU states that no tolls will be charged for the first 60 days; however, the future is unclear and will be determined by Iran following dialogue with Oman and discussions with the Gulf States. The final outcome of these discussions must be a reinforcement of the central tenet that the Strait of Hormuz must remain free of charges and open to all in accordance with UNCLOS”.
“Once these steps are taken, the shipping industry should have the reassurance needed to recommence carrying world trade and energy through the area, and seafarers can return to the role for which they are trained, rather than be placed on the front line of a geopolitical conflict.”
Urging continued caution, INTERTANKO Managing Director Tim Wilkins commented, “Without clarity on these issues, ships will be unsure whether to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Some ships will, of course, start to move. That will be natural. But ship owners have adopted a very cautious approach. The safety and security of seafarers have been uppermost in their minds, and no one wishes to jeopardise that safety-first approach when things appear to be moving in the right direction.
We must remind all States involved that the internationally recognised TSS was introduced in 1968 to support the safe transit of internationally trading deep water vessels and to avoid the navigational risks, and so ensure safety at sea.
Gulf Region update – 15 June: INTERTANKO welcomes agreement between Iran and the United States
The agreement between the United States and Iran should bring welcome relief to all seafarers in the region. Too many of them have been killed and injured in this conflict and our thoughts are with them and their families.
Whilst INTERTANKO awaits clarifications on the administrative and practical arrangements governing the Strait of Hormuz, we would expect that all parties should recognise that the free flow of the world’s trade and right of transit passage must be reinstated at the earliest point.
INTERTANKO Managing Director Tim Wilkins commented, “We urge the US and Iranian administrations to collaborate in ensuring the Strait of Hormuz is free from the threat of mines, while split navigation between the so-called Omani and Iranian routes should be halted. Freedom of navigation must be reintroduced using the internationally recognised Traffic Separation Scheme.”
Commenting on next steps, INTERTANKO Marine Director Phillip Belcher said, “As this agreement is not due to be signed until Friday 19th June, for ships that need to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a cautious approach should be undertaken. The industry has developed guidelines for use in the event of the Strait reopening, and these should be consulted. A ship-specific risk assessment must be undertaken as detailed in the guidance.”
As we look to the future, INTERTANKO trusts that the Strait of Hormuz can never again be used as a weapon, nor that innocent seafarers be caught up in geopolitical conflicts that are none of their making, but which they bear the deadly consequences.
INTERTANKO has updated its advice on Strait of Hormuz transits as below:
• Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
• Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
• If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
• Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
• Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
• If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
• Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces
• UPDATED: Ships passing through the Strait and following novel routes, such as the Omani route, should only do so following thorough risk and navigational assessments, taking into account the very latest information from competent authorities.
• Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
• Following the ship specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
• As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
• Undertake a shipboard security drill.
• Only rely upon information from trusted sources.
Gulf Region Update 12 June: Conflict inching towards resolution
Diplomatic activity between the US and Iran continues facilitated by regional partners. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is based upon a 14-point plan that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz (SoH), and remove the US blockade. Other issues are reported to cover respecting Iranian sovereignty, confirming that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, release of frozen Iranian assets and removing sanctions on Iran. The US is very upbeat on the possibility of this being agreed in a very short timescale, whereas Iran has stated that there is more to discuss. It should be noted that such claims about being very close to a resolution have previously been made multiple times.
Whilst the diplomatic activity continues, so does a low scale conflict between the US and Iran. Multiple drones have been fired across the SoH and these have been shot down by the US air patrols. These air patrols are in place to provide support to shipping following the route around the Omani coast. The US has conducted multiple strikes against Iranian targets and the Iranians have responded with missile attacks across the region.
The US has continued to enforce its blockade on Iranian trade and have attacked three ships in the last week. These have been undertaken by firing missiles into the engine room of the ship. INTERTANKO has repeatedly requested that the US halt attacks in this manner. In one attack, three Indian seafarers were killed.
Ships continue to pass through the SoH in both the Iranian and Omani routes. The Omani route carries up to 15 ships per day. Passages are undertaken at night and INTERTANKO has provided advice to the US in how to reduce the significant navigational risks involved in this route. Since the ceasefire on 8 April, just over 200 transits have occurred along this route.
Gulf Region Update 5 June: Diplomacy inching forward as attacks occur
If the noise of social media is ignored, diplomacy does appear to be working, as steady, but slow progress appears to be taking place between the US and Iran in the agreement for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU will set the terms of a more permanent ceasefire between the belligerents. It has been reported that this would be for an initial 60-day period in which the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) would be reopened without restrictions, the US blockade will be removed, and Iran would be able to export oil whilst receiving part of their offshore frozen funds. The MoU would also set the terms for ongoing talks to finalise the terms of a formal peace deal which would include issues such as the final status of the SoH, Iranian nuclear programmes, and security guarantees.
Whilst these negotiations are underway, violence has continued across the Gulf Region. On Wednesday 3 June, Kuwait airport suffered a significant attack from Iran and Iran launched multiple missiles and drones at US targets in Bahrain.
The US has continued to strike sites Iranian targets around the SoH which have been used to launch drones or facilitate attacks against shipping. These US attacks have been in support of shipping within the so-called Omani route. The procedure for this route includes close liaison with the US Navy where timings and waypoints of routes will be passed over. Whilst underway in the route, the US advise that the ship should be blacked out with navigational lights off. Radar use should be minimised and AIS turned off. The navigational situation of the route is difficult with close sailing to the Omani and UAE coastlines.
For the deconfliction between vessels, the timing of the in-bound and out-bound groups (not convoys) enables the ships to pass in wider areas. Around 15 ships use this route per day. Transits take place at night and the numbers are split between both directions. INTERTANKO has raised concerns over the safety of navigation and suggested amendments to the routes to facilitate a higher level of navigational safety.
Once the MoU is in place, with a more permanent ceasefire in place, the wider UK/French-led coalition of the willing should be able to operate in the Gulf Region and provide support to shipping. However, despite progress, the diplomatic talks need to run their course and during this time, only trusted sources should be relied upon.
Gulf Region Update 29 May: Light at the end of the tunnel, but mine threat remains
Negotiations between the US and Iran appear to be reaching a positive outcome, with discussions focussing on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding future talks to resolve the conflict.
The agreement appears to be coalescing around a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire. During this time, Iran will allow traffic flows back to pre-conflict levels. There is some confusion over whether this traffic flow would be ‘administered’ by Iran or it would revert to pre-conflict arrangements. In return, the US would remove its blockade and possibly release frozen Iranian funds. The final point appears to be that Iran would remove all mines from the region.
It should be stressed that this is not a peace deal, but what could be considered an agreement on the base conditions coupled with the agenda for wider peace talks. It should also be noted that previous peace talks that created the Iran nuclear deal lasted for many years. Further, the air strikes by the US against drones launched across the Strait of Hormuz, and the Iranian attack on a US base in Kuwait, demonstrate the fragility of the current ceasefire.
On the issue of mines, in addition to the mines that have been documented in the Traffic Separation Scheme, a report from the US Navy highlighted that a mine has been seen in the route advised by the USN along the coast of Oman and UAE. The location is in the vicinity of the Musandam Peninsula at the tip of Oman. It is unclear whether this is a new mine, one that has been there for some time, or one that has drifted into the area.
It would appear that the mine threat may be encountered in areas previously believed to be clear. For ships that have decided to transit, the latest situation on mines and other threats will be provided by the US Navy and coordination should be undertaken through the US NCAGS in Bahrain. In support of mine clearance operations by the French/UK-led coalition of the willing, the UK’s civilian naval support vessel, RFA Lyme Bay, has departed Gibraltar and is expected to join the growing coalition, focused around the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle. It is expected to be in the region within the next two weeks.
For ships that do decide to transit, following the ship specific risk assessment, then the US Navy will provide a coordinates of a route through Omani and UAE waters. They will also advise that:
• Transit of the Strait of Hormuz should be undertaken at night.
• Ship should be blacked out without any lights including navigational lights.
• AIS, LRIT and other emissions switched off.
• Mobile phones should be switched off.
• Radars should only be used when necessary.
INTERTANKO is not endorsing this approach, but is providing the information as provided by the USN. Consultations should also be made with your insurer. It should be noted that they are processing many enquiries and it may take over 24 hours before they respond.
Gulf Region Update 22 May: Stalemate continues with no resolution
Diplomatic discussions continue between the governments of the United States and Iran, focusing upon the nuclear ambitions of Iran, Iranian frozen assets seized in third countries, guarantees of security for Iran, ending of the conflict across the region and control of the Strait of Hormuz. As we go to press, no common ground has yet to be found.
Limited movements of ships through the Strait of Hormuz continues with approximately 10% of the volume of traffic pre-war. Transiting vessels are split between those gaining permission from Iran and so transiting through the Iranian designated routes and those hugging the Omani coast, attempting to pass unnoticed.
While the US has said that it will provide some form of oversight for ships passing along the Omani coast, this is only overwatch and not active protection. More information for ships will be gained by contacting the US NCAGs in Bahrain. Members should note that mines remain uncleared within the central section of the Strait of Hormuz, however, there are no credible reports of mines being laid in Omani waters.
The first meeting of detailed planning for the UK/French coalition of the willing of some 40-plus countries who will support any diplomatic resolution with naval support, has now commenced. It is likely that command will be by the UK, with direction being given from a joint UK/French operational centre modelled on the MDAT GoG system. In support of this coalition, a French task force, centred around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, is operating in the Gulf of Aden. This is also supported by warships from Italy and the UK.
Mine clearance support from the UK should be within the region in approximately two weeks, with a likely timescale for clearance expected to be two to four weeks after that.
The recently released industry guidance on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been passed to the planning team.
Gulf Region Update 15 May: Stalemate continues
In the last week, little has changed in the region. Several ships have been threatened and there is a report of a livestock carrying dhow that has been attacked and sunk. All 14 crew from the vessel are safe and no injuries have been reported. A trickle of ships has continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, both along the coast of Oman as well as through the northern Iranian-controlled route.
Most eyes were watching the developments surrounding the State visit by the US President to China. However, there appears to have been little progress at this meeting with regards to the Gulf region.
The IMO Secretary General expressed his frustration at the lack of cooperation between coastal States at the opening session of the Maritime Safety Committee at IMO on Wednesday 13th May. Planning continues among various stakeholders on exit routes, but all are predicated on the cessation of hostilities between the belligerents.
Whilst this lack of progress is not harming seafarers, they still remain in a state of limbo within the Gulf Region and we continue to work on their behalf.
Middle East update – 1 May: Frozen conflict continues
The situation in the Persian Gulf remains in a frozen state with all sides respecting the ceasefire. However, the blockade by the US and measures taken by Iran, means that traffic remains at a near standstill.
Due to the lack of diplomatic movement and that Iran has a veto on traffic movements through the threat of violence, none of the UN-based plans have seen any movement. The US is initiating plans that will take several weeks to commence – even the first planning meetings with industry. Additionally, the threat of mines requires extreme caution in any navigation through the area. Therefore, there is no expectation that even limited navigation will recommence in the next two weeks.
Planning, led by INTERTANKO, for safe navigation continues with various inter-industry working groups and meetings being held in conjunction with the IMO. Briefings and meetings continue between the Secretariat and multiple member States.
The welfare of seafarers remains at the forefront of efforts and communications and discussions with labour-supplying States, such as the Philippines, continue. As we go to press, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers is poised to issue a revised note allowing crew changes on a case-by-case basis following a risk assessment and statements by the incoming crew that they are content to join the vessel.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued new FAQs on 28 April which confirm that US-linked entities cannot make payments directly or indirectly for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and that “such payments also create significant sanctions exposure for non-US persons”.
Middle East update – 24 April: Escapes, seizures, and ceasefires
The situation in the Persian Gulf remains difficult for all. There are some positive signs in that the US has unilaterally indefinitely extended its ceasefire and the ceasefire in the Lebanon has also been extended. However, Iran has now seized ships, the US has arrested ships breaching its imposed blockade, and there is no end in sight to the overall situation.
As we went to press last Friday, a dramatic series of events occurred. The Iranian Foreign Minister announced that following the ceasefire in the Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz would be open for all if they followed the Iranian route. The US President confirmed this and thanked Iran. A large group of ships immediately headed for the exit and INTERTANKO published a statement which outlined some concerns.
However, the Strait was open for only a short period of time and the concerns exercised in INTERTANKO’s statement came to the fore with the exercise of control by the IRGC over the Strait. While close to 40 ships did escape, several ships were attacked by the IRGC and the majority of ships returned to the Persian Gulf.
On the 22 April, a group of six MSC containerships with several other ships joining it, made a move to leave. This resulted in three ships being fired at, with one suffering damage to the bridge and another being hit by a projectile. Two ships were then seized by Iran and they remain anchored in Iranian waters with their crew on board.
The US has arrested approximately six ships for breaching their unilaterally imposed blockade. Some of these arrests have been undertaken at great distance from the Persian Gulf.
The current situation remains where Iran is allowing some ships to depart using its designated corridors. Members who have departed on this route have stated that they receive instructions form their charterer and then follow those. They have stated that no payments have been made. The situation relating to mines is that it is strongly believed that mines have been sown in the area of the Traffic Separation Scheme and it will take considerable efforts to ensure that no mines remain.
INTERTANKO continues to work with all stakeholders including through both military and diplomatic routes to find solutions to the issues of safe and free navigation and alongside the humanitarian issue for seafarers in the area. Our current advice is shown below:
• Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
• Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
• If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
• Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
• Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
• If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
• Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces
• Ships passing through the Strait and following novel routes, such as the Omani route, should only do so following a through risk and navigational assessment and taking into account the very latest information from competent authorities.
• Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
• Following the ship-specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
• As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
• Undertake a shipboard security drill.
• Only rely upon information from trusted sources.
Middle East update – 17 April: US blockade commences and ceasefire holds
The US-Iran ceasefire put into effect on 7 April, is due to expire on 21 April, however, there is widespread expectation it will be extended.
All sides appear to be respecting the ceasefire and attacks in the Persian Gulf region have halted, with no ship attacked since 7 April. Under the terms of the ceasefire, all transits through the Strait of Hormuz are meant to do so under the control of the Iranian military. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah also entered into force on 17 April covering the Levant region. Separate ceasefires between the Houthis and the US, and the Houthis and Saudi Arabia remain in force.
Face-to-face talks between the US and Iran failed to reach any conclusion on 11 April. following this, the US government announced a blockade of all ports and terminals along the entire coast of Iran, which came into effect at 1400 UTC on 13 April. The following is what we understand the blockade means in practice:
Applies to: Entire Iranian coastline
All ports and terminals in Iran
All traffic to and from those ports
All ships carrying contraband (weapons, dual use equipment, nuclear materials, prohibited hydrocarbons, and computers)
All OFAC sanctioned vessels
End date: Likely after a peace deal
Probably applies to:
Any Iranian flagged ship
Exemptions:
Any neutral ship not calling in Iran
Ships carrying humanitarian shipments
Ships authorised by the US to call in Iranian ports
Due to concerns raised over the payment of fees to any entity designated by the US, UK, EU, and many other States as a terrorist organisation, the likelihood is that the US will not allow passage of any ship that has paid the Iranians and the central principle of freedom of navigation that no restrictions should be in place. INTERTANKO advises that ships should not pay fees for transit through these waters.
Other initiatives involving creating corridors for ships to be able to leave or enter the Persian Gulf region continue. These range from the IMO’s humanitarian evacuation corridor, the wider UN work on resumption of trade, and a coalition of the willing whose diplomatic efforts are led jointly by France and the UK. Both countries are meeting today (17 April) in Paris to formulate plans for a 40-country strong coalition to allow for freedom of navigation to recommence.
INTERTANKO’s draft plan on advice related to the safety of navigation is now under review by a coalition of the industry including OCIMF and the Round Table. The intention is for it to be issued as an industry-wide effort to assist in ensuring that ships are able to navigate safely when the situation is safe enough to resume transits.
INTERTANKO remains active in the efforts to assist in the international coordination of the response, the safety of navigation, and the humanitarian needs of seafarers. Further advice will be issued when required. Particular effort is now being directed at those Members who have ships stuck inside the Persian Gulf.
INTERTANKO advice as of 15 April 2026:
• Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
• Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
• If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
• Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
• Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
• If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
• NEW: Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces.
• The inshore traffic separation scheme in the Strait of Hormuz may be used to avoid immediate danger, however, this is not recommended for routine transits, due to the risk of collision.
• Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
• Following the ship-specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
• As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
• Undertake a shipboard security drill.
• Only rely upon information from trusted sources.
Middle East update – 16 April: US blockade commences and ceasefire holds
The conflict in the Persian Gulf region can be classified as being on hold. The ceasefire put into effect on 7 April, still has one week to run. All sides appear to be respecting the ceasefire and attacks in the Persian Gulf region. Under the terms of that ceasefire, all transits through the Strait of Hormuz are meant to do so under the control of the Iranian military.
Face to face talks between the US and Iran failed to reach any conclusion following talks on 11 April. The US government announced a blockade of all ports and terminals along the entire coast of Iran. This came into effect at 1400UTC on 13 April. The following is what we understand the blockade means in practice:
Applies to:
Entire Iranian coastline
All ports and terminals in Iran
All traffic to and from those ports
All ships carrying contraband
Applied from:
1400 UTC 13 April
Probably applies to:
Any ship that pays a fee/toll to Iran
Any Iranian flagged ship
Exemptions:
Any neutral ship not calling in Iran
Ships carrying humanitarian shipments
Ships authorised by the US to call in Iranian ports
Due to the concerns raised over the payment of fees to any entity designated by the US, UK, EU, and many other States as a terrorist organisation and the likelihood that the US will not allow passage of any ship that has paid the Iranians, INTERTANKO advises that ships should not pay fees for transit through these waters. This advice will be added to the comprehensive advice below.
For mines, the latest JMIC advisory states:
“Operators should treat the traffic separation scheme (TSS) and adjacent waters as a potential mine-risk area until mine locations have been verified and threats to transiting ships mitigated.”
Other initiatives on creating corridors for ships to be able to leave or enter the Persian Gulf region continues. These range from the IMO’s humanitarian evacuation corridor, the wider UN work on resumption of trade, and a coalition of the willing whose diplomatic efforts are led jointly by France and the UK.
INTERTANKO’s draft plan on advice related to the safety of navigation is now under review by a coalition of the industry including OCIMF and the Round Table. The intention is for this to be issued as an industry wide effort to assist in ensuring that ships are able to navigate safely when the situation is safe enough to resume transits.
INTERTANKO remains active in the efforts to assist in the international coordination of the response, the safety of navigation, and the humanitarian needs of seafarers. Further advice will be issued when required. Particular effort is now being directed at those members who have ships stuck inside the Persian Gulf.
Middle East update – 10 April: Fragile ceasefire holding in Persian Gulf region
A fragile peace based upon a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, is holding in the Persian Gulf region.
This is welcomed and exists as a pre-cursor for detailed talks between the US and Iran due to formally commence in Islamabad on Saturday 11 April. Whilst Israel appears not to be part of the ceasefire agreement, it has stated that it will halt attacks on Iran.
Unlike in ceasefires in other conflicts, no definitive ceasefire agreement has been published. This means that the warring factions continue to interpret the situation as they see fit. Israel, for example, has interpreted the agreement to be on only covering Iran and so it has continued to strike targets in Lebanon and elsewhere. Similarly, the agreement in its various versions talks to a full and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). Iran claims that the SoH is now open. However, Iran continues to exercise complete control on this international waterway by threatening to attack any ship that tries to pass through without its permission. Therefore, the current situation should be seen as a cessation of violence, rather than a complete ceasefire agreement.
The current situation in the Persian Gulf remains one where conflict could break out at very short notice, the SoH is effectively closed with only around 15 ships passing through per day and Iran exercising a veto on the ships that pass through. The Gulf countries have rejected a long-term solution where Iran retains control of the SoH and Oman in particular has rejected the idea of tolls being levied upon ships.
The IMO continues to develop the humanitarian evacuation corridor for ships to leave the Persian Gulf. The concept for this is that ships will be able to leave the region so as to focus upon the humanitarian needs of the seafarers. More detailed plans have been provided to the Omani and Iranian authorities for their approval. No timeline is currently in place for the execution of this plan. In wider UN-led initiatives, a large group of UN agencies such as FAO and UNCTAD are working with the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy Jean Arnault of France, to facilitate a plan to reopen the SoH to facilitate trade. The priority for this work will be to allow the passage of fertiliser. Again, no timeline is available for this plan.
INTERTANKO’s Nautical Sub-Committee has developed a plan covering safety of navigation once the area is no longer subject to indiscriminate attack. This plan is now being worked on by the Round Table organisations plus OCIMF with a view to being issued as an industry-wide plan. It is expected that this will be available by the end of next week.
Middle East update 13 March – No deescalation in sight
The conflict continues with no sign of reduction in the threat to ships within the Gulf region.
Approximately 20 ships have now been attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 seafarers and life-changing injuries for others. Attacks have occurred on ships across the region, from off Kuwait to deep into the Gulf of Oman.
Ships with association to the US, China, and Iran itself have all suffered hits from Iranian forces. A single digit number of ships have passed through the region and the Strait of Hormuz, however, the Strait remains extremely dangerous and unsafe for general navigation.
The threat of mines remains only a threat, with no evidence provided from military and intelligence sources. No escorting or physical support from naval vessels is available in the region and there is no timeline for this support.
The Houthis have not taken any steps to enter the conflict, but the group retains a considerable arsenal and this is held at a high state of readiness. However, the JMIC and others assess that the Houthis are currently not preparing to attack ships.
The JMIC has stated that the threat level is CRITICAL, which means that an attack is almost certain.
INTERTANKO continues to work with the military and intelligence authorities across a broad range of States, as well as our industry and welfare partners. Close liaison has been maintained with the European Commission and the IMO.
An ad hoc working group of INTERTANKO’s Nautical Sub-Committee has commenced work on plans to assist in the safe navigation of ships within the area. The aim is to manage any sudden rush of transits through the area once either support is available or the area is deemed to be safe enough for general transit.
The IMO will be holding an emergency extraordinary session next week and INTERTANKO is currently coordinating a submission that highlights the issues faced by seafarers in the region and some practical steps to be taken to provide some relief. These are in line with the three aspects that are driving INTERTANKO’s work:
• Seafarer Welfare
• Safety of Navigation
• Coordinated military support.
INTERTANKO will continue to respond to issues raised by Members and provide support through advice and guidance.
Following discussions with the most trusted sources, INTERTANKO offers the following advice to Members as of 15 April:
• Follow the BMP Maritime Security and report as required.
• Follow the advice of the JMIC and EUNAVFOR and avoid the area as much as possible until the situation is clear.
• If possible, delay transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation is clearer.
• Liaise with the USN NCAGS, EUNAVFOR and UKMTO and report suspicious activity.
• Due to concerns raised by JMIC following ships being attacked who are transmitting the AIS information, consider your AIS and LRIT policy in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. If turning off LRIT, the ship’s flag State administration must be informed.
• If passing through the area, to stay as far from Iran as possible.
• NEW: Do not pay fees for transits to Iranian forces
• The inshore traffic separation scheme in the Strait of Hormuz may be used to avoid immediate danger, however, this is not recommended for routine transits, due to the risk of collision.
• Navigate as far from Yemen as navigationally possible and consider AIS policy.
• Following the ship specific risk assessment, when it is decided that it is safe to pass through the area, Masters should consider the possibility of encountering heavy traffic and continue to apply the COLREGs.
• As jamming and spoofing of GPS and other GNSS is taking place, cross check against other methods.
• Undertake a shipboard security drill.
• Only rely upon information from trusted sources.
INTERTANKO will continue to provide further updates as necessary as the situation develops.
Source: INTERTANKO
