Iran’s New Hormuz Shipping Authority Launches Official X Account, Declares Unauthorised Transit “Illegal”

The newly established Hormuz Shipping Authority has officially launched its X account to monitor maritime traffic within the Strait of Hormuz, declaring all unauthorised transit illegal. This development marks a significant shift in regional maritime security, as the authority promises real-time updates on vessel operations. With global trade routes passing through this critical chokepoint, merchant vessels—including tankers like the VLCCs frequently transiting toward Fujairah or Bandar Abbas—must now navigate heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential transit restrictions enforced by Iranian maritime authorities.

From a compliance perspective, this move intersects with the International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS Chapter V, which governs the safety of navigation and the use of ship reporting systems. While the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) guarantees the right of transit passage, the new authority’s mandate poses challenges for vessel operators and shore-based compliance departments. Maintaining adherence to these regional declarations while balancing international maritime law requires rigorous monitoring of bridge procedures and ensuring that all vessel reporting protocols align with current security advisories to avoid potential detention or legal disputes.

Masters and navigating officers are the primary personnel affected by these heightened security protocols. These professionals must ensure that bridge teams remain updated on the latest transit requirements issued by the Hormuz Shipping Authority. It is critical to maintain precise logbook entries and verify that all AIS and communication equipment is fully operational. Navigating officers should proactively review regional security notices before entering the Strait to ensure full compliance and mitigate risks to the vessel and crew during transit.