Recent reports indicate that the fees charged by Iran for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have seen a substantial decrease compared to the earlier stages of the regional conflict.
According to information from maritime security operators, the current maximum fee for a single transit by a bulk carrier is up to $120,000, while for a tanker it can reach $160,000. The specific rate varies depending on factors such as vessel type, cargo, and the nationality of the shipowner. This represents a significant drop from the initial fees of $1 million to $2 million per vessel charged at the outset of hostilities.
The report notes that following the collapse last month of a U.S. initiative aimed at facilitating safe passage through the strait, American security guarantees are perceived as even less reliable. Most shipowners still consider transit through the waterway too hazardous and prefer to remain at anchor. With no credible peace agreement in sight, the industry anticipates the standoff will persist.
There is opposition within the shipping sector, with critics arguing that establishing a fee-for-passage system sets a dangerous precedent for other critical global maritime chokepoints. The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization has previously stated that no nation has the right to obstruct traffic through straits used for international navigation. Any imposition of taxes, duties, or fees on such international straits lacks a basis in international law.
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