Iran approves fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz

Yesterday 10:32

By: Azzat Manal

Iran approves fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s parliament has taken a new step toward regulating maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with a parliamentary committee approving a provision that would allow authorities to charge fees for services provided to vessels permitted to pass through the strategic waterway.

The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran’s parliament approved an article of a proposed law concerning security in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the provision, ships using the passage could be required to pay for a range of services provided by Iranian authorities.

The proposed charges would cover services linked to navigation, environmental protection, safety and security, insurance, and emergency fuel supplies, as well as other maritime services. According to Iranian officials, payments could be made in the Iranian rial or in another currency designated by the authorities.

Committee spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said the legislation should take into account the rights and interests of countries bordering the strategic waterway. He also argued that international maritime law guarantees freedom of navigation while requiring vessels to respect the sovereignty and security of coastal states.

The move comes against the backdrop of the Strait of Hormuz’s critical importance to global energy markets. The narrow passage between Iran and Oman is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.

Any new measures affecting vessels transiting the strait could therefore attract international attention, particularly from energy-importing countries and the global shipping industry. Higher costs or additional administrative requirements could potentially influence shipping operations and energy markets, depending on how the proposed system is ultimately implemented.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized the importance of coastal states’ sovereignty and security in discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also maintained that maritime arrangements in the region must take into account the specific geopolitical and security conditions of the Gulf.

The proposed legislation still forms part of Iran’s broader regulatory framework and its practical implementation will depend on the final approval of the law and the procedures established by the authorities.