- Greece advised its shipowners to reassess transits through the Strait of Hormuz due to rising regional tensions.
- Vessels choosing to transit are urged to adopt the highest security level and avoid Iranian waters.
- Freight rates surged, and Qatar directed LNG ships to wait outside the strait amid instability.
- The EU naval force raised its threat level for U.S.- and Israel-linked vessels, citing a severe risk.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf have prompted Greece’s shipping ministry to urge vessel owners to reevaluate transits through the Strait of Hormuz. This advisory follows recent U.S. air strikes on Iran, which have raised concerns over navigational safety in the region. In a circular distributed to shipowners, the ministry recommended reconsidering the use of the narrow maritime passage until conditions stabilize. This development was first reported by gCaptain, citing information from Bloomberg.
Maritime Authorities Respond to Gulf Security Concerns
Greece’s shipping ministry has urged vessel owners to adopt the highest level of security if transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions. The advisory follows U.S. air strikes on Iran, which have heightened concerns over maritime safety near Iranian waters. The ministry recommended that vessels keep the maximum possible distance from Iranian territory and consider delaying passage until the situation improves.
Market impacts are already being felt, with freight rates spiking last week. Qatar, responding to the instability, instructed liquefied natural gas vessels to remain outside the strait until ready for loading. Greece’s notice highlighted the risk of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a key reason for its cautionary stance.
In a related development, the European Union’s naval mission raised its threat level for U.S.- and Israel-linked vessels in the area, now assessing the risk to those ships as severe. While the current evaluation indicates a low threat to other vessels, officials warned that all merchant ships could eventually be at risk. The update was shared by France’s MICA Center, which coordinates maritime security efforts globally.
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Source: gCaptain
