The issue of whether a new transit fee will be charged for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has not yet been resolved in the peace talks between the United States and Iran.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17 and 18, Iran will clear mines and obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz within the next 30 days. During the subsequent 60-day period, ships will be allowed to pass through the strait free of charge.

Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding stipulates that Iran will negotiate arrangements regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz and maritime services in collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman and other Gulf Coast states. Therefore, a final decision regarding the application of fees for transit through the strait has not yet been made.

It is reported that Iran has not abandoned its plan to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to cover post-war reconstruction costs. The Gulf Authority established by Iran (PGSA) is said to be evaluating fee options that could reach up to 2 million dollars per ship.

Oman, on the other hand, advocates for a return to the pre-war practice of free passage under the 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), which is also recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expected to play an active role in this matter due to their economies based on the free movement of goods.

Direct transit fees are not charged for ships in the world's major natural maritime passages. Despite the heavy trade traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the Malacca Strait and the English Channel, a free passage regime is applied.

However, some countries charge various fees in exchange for navigation safety services. Turkey raised its fees by 15% last year under the navigation and safety services provided in the Istanbul and Çanakkale straits, increasing the fee to 5.83 dollars per net ton. In 2025, a total revenue of 227.4 million dollars was generated from 51,058 ships passing through Turkish straits.

In the United Kingdom and Irish territorial waters, Trinity House, responsible for lighthouses and navigation services, charges service fees from ships despite its non-profit structure.

In Oman, navigation fees known as 'Navdues' are applied. Ship traffic is monitored through a control center located on Didamar Island, in the middle of the Strait of Hormuz, where 167 buoys and navigation aids are provided in the region.

The operation of these services has been transferred to the Arab Maritime and Navigation Aids Services (AMNAS) by the Omani government. Experts indicate that if a new fee system is implemented in the Strait of Hormuz, the existing navigation service model could serve as a basis.

According to experts, if the fees charged are kept at a reasonable level and are proportional to the services provided, this practice will not contradict the principle of freedom of navigation established by the International Maritime Organization and will not set a precedent for other international straits.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye