The Norwegian Maritime Authority has imposed a total ban on Norwegian-flagged ships sailing into the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. The ban came into force on Thursday and is the most far-reaching restriction to date imposed by a government authority in response to the increasing security risk in the area.
According to Director-General of Maritime Affairs Alf Tore Sørheim, the authorities are thus moving from a strong recommendation to an outright ban on sailing into the Strait of Hormuz. The decision has been taken following a deterioration in the security situation and an increased risk of Iranian attacks on merchant ships.
İlginizi çekebilir:
Hapag-Lloyd posts solid results but expects a downturn this year
Norwegian-flagged vessels already in the Persian Gulf must assess for themselves whether it is safest to remain in the area or attempt to leave via Hormuz. However, the authorities warn that even an attempt to leave the region may increase the risk of attack.
The warning comes following several incidents in the region, including an attack on the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which was struck whilst passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Norwegian Maritime Authority states that it is in close contact with Norwegian-flagged shipping companies in the area and emphasises that the level of insecurity in the region has risen significantly.
