Norway-flagged ships barred from Hormuz transit

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has prohibited Norwegian-flagged vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz ​until further notice, due to mounting security concerns in the region.

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For vessels currently stranded in the conflict-affected area, it will be up to their respective owners and operators to assess the security risks before making a final decision.

“The threat level is assessed as critical, indicating that attacks are likely and that conditions remain highly hazardous for commercial shipping,” it said.

The NMA has received several AIS spoofing reports in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The ongoing assault is affecting communications and radar systems on commercial vessels, the authority said.  

"We are now moving from a strong recommendation regarding traffic in the area to a prohibition on entering the Strait of Hormuz," the NMA said in a statement.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor, handling about 25% of global seaborne oil trade. Tanker traffic through the narrow chokepoint has dropped sharply amid escalating military operations as the conflict that began on 28 February enters its 14th day.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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