TEHRAN: Iran has announced tougher measures for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without complying with its rules, including a penalty equivalent to 20 per cent of the value of their cargo.
The move comes as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply amid continuing tensions in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over the movement of oil, gas and other commodities through one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
According to Iranian media, Hassan Qashqavi, spokesman for the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said lawmakers had approved provisions of a proposed law governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the proposed measures, vessels that violate Iran’s requirements could face the financial penalty and may also be temporarily detained. The ships could remain in custody until the imposed fine has been paid.
The legislation is part of a broader effort by Iran’s parliament to establish a regulatory framework for maritime activity in the strategically important waterway.
Iran’s announcement comes as the number of commercial vessels crossing Hormuz has dropped to unusually low levels.
Reuters reported that only two commodity vessels crossed the Strait on Monday, compared with a pre-conflict average of around 125 large commercial vessels a day. The vessels included a Panama-flagged Supramax and a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier.
Earlier Reuters shipping data also showed that only 12 commodity vessels crossed the waterway over a weekend, down from 35 the previous weekend. The sharp decline has been linked to continuing regional tensions and security concerns.
