ICS, BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, IMCA, and OCIMF have jointly published guidance on the safe management of vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz during periods of heightened regional security risk.

The guidance complements the Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP MS) and is designed to support voyage specific threat and risk assessment at both shipboard and shore management level. It addresses the current operating environment, including kinetic threats, GNSS disruption, AIS spoofing, extreme traffic congestion scenarios, and anchoring and waiting position considerations.

Of particular relevance to Members, the guidance emphasises the importance of confirming the scope and conditions of insurance cover, including war risk, listed area notifications, additional premium requirements, and any operational conditions or warranties imposed by underwriters, before committing a vessel to transit. It also draws attention to sanctions and trade compliance exposure arising from the current operating environment, including payments demanded for transit or port services that may create sanctions or secondary sanctions risk for the vessel, operator, and charterers.