Strait of Hormuz Transits Face Increased Risks Due to Erratic Traffic
A new guide released by leading maritime associations highlights the significant risks associated with transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The guide, developed by ICS, BIMCO, Intertanko, IMCA, Intercargo, and OCIMF, outlines the navigational hazards and potential for collisions or groundings in the strait. The document advises operators to prepare for erratic traffic conditions, including uncoordinated transits and nonstandard vessel maneuvers. The guide emphasizes the importance of pre-transit planning and recommends that vessels be self-reliant, as external assistance may not be readily available. The guidance also suggests measures to mitigate risks, such as using radar and visual monitoring over GPS, and ensuring crew readiness for GPS-denied environments.