Following Iran's announcement in March regarding its plan to charge fees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, there has been an increase in fraudulent attempts demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for fake documents. To address this issue, Iran has established a new entity called the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' (PGSA).

According to official publications of the Islamic Republic of Iran, vessels wishing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz will receive official notification emails from the address '[email protected]'.

It has been stated that shipowners can obtain transit permission after fulfilling the specified procedures. The new authority aims to create a verifiable communication channel between shipowners and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

However, the controversial nature of this application in terms of international law continues to be debated. Iran's demand for transit fees in a strait with international status has been criticized legally, while the U.S. administration has warned that sanctions could be imposed on individuals and entities making payments to Iran in this context. This situation poses a significant compliance and risk management issue for shipowners.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to pursue the 'Freedom Project,' aimed at providing security for commercial vessels transiting through Omani waters. This initiative, offered free of charge, stands out as an alternative model that contradicts Iran's practices. Iran, on the other hand, opposes this project while escalating tensions through attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. assets in the region.

Indeed, on Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo ship sailing in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an object. Martin Kelly from EOS Risk Group indicated that the target was a CMA CGM vessel, while CBS News reported that the attacked ship was the Malta-flagged container ship 'CMA CGM San Antonio.'

Authorities stated that some crew members were injured in the attack, which is believed to have been carried out with a cruise missile. Since Tuesday, the ship, which cut off communications for security reasons, has not transmitted any AIS signals. The last known location of the vessel was reported to be off the coast of Dubai.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye