GoKawiilIRAN has introduced mandatory insurance for all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, requiring shipowners to obtain coverage approved — and initially provided free — by Tehran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
The move, detailed in a PGSA terms‑and‑conditions document seen by Lloyd’s List, effectively sidesteps a new US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding that guarantees “safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge” for 60 days.
Iran’s insurance requirement carries no fee during that period, but Tehran has confirmed that charges may be imposed once the 60‑day window closes.
“This insurance is provided free of charge to the vessel owner, with all expenses covered by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the document states.
“The PGSA reserves the right to introduce insurance fees in the future… Owners will then be required to purchase and renew coverage accordingly.”
The terms, circulated across the industry on Friday and submitted to the International Maritime Organization, mark Iran’s clearest attempt yet to assert control over transit conditions in one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.
Despite a growing number of vessels now using a US‑protected southern corridor near the Oman coast, Iran insists that “passage is permitted only via the designated route near Larak Island”, referring to its preferred northern channel.
Enforce penalties for non‑compliance
“Any deviation… is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a violation,” the PGSA warns.
The authority says it is now the sole body responsible for processing transit applications and issuing permits, adding that it may “enforce penalties, revoke passage permissions, or take further legal action” for non‑compliance.
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