Iran has started controlling ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz by allowing only approved vessels to pass through a monitored route near its coast.
In at least one case, a tanker operator paid around $2 million to secure safe passage.
Per reports, Iran is guiding selected ships through a route close to Larak Island, where its naval forces carry out checks before letting vessels move ahead.
A basic approval system has been put in place, where ships must share details such as ownership and cargo before entering the strait. Once cleared, they are allowed to pass one by one.
So far, at least nine vessels have used this route. These include LPG carriers, bulk carriers and government-linked tankers.
Two India-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, crossed the strait around March 13 after getting clearance through official talks.
Per reports, they were allowed to pass without paying any fee. A Pakistan-linked tanker and a few other vessels have also taken similar routes.
However, not all ships are getting through the same way. In at least one instance, a tanker operator is believed to have paid about $2 million to ensure safe passage through the strait.
Approvals are being handled case by case, and there are signs that Iran may bring in fixed charges for transit in the future.
Several countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Iraq and Malaysia, are now in direct talks with Tehran to make sure their ships can pass…
Full report available at the source: