This alert should be read together with the earlier communication “Member Alert – Iran and Regional Security Situation”.

Commercial vessels operating in the region have reported receiving VHF radio warnings stating that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to navigation. These reports have been acknowledged by recognised maritime security reporting centres, including UKMTO.

At the time of writing, there has been no independently verified or internationally recognised legal declaration of closure of the Strait. Nevertheless, the issuance of such warnings, in the context of ongoing military activity, constitutes a material escalation in the operational risk environment.

The operating environment in and around the Strait should be regarded as unstable. Members should expect increased naval and air activity, the possibility of verbal traffic control instructions, an elevated risk of misidentification, electronic interference including GPS disruption, and rapid changes to local operating conditions with limited notice.

Crew should maintain continuous VHF watch, exercise enhanced vigilance, and avoid reliance on any single navigation system. All warnings or hails should be treated with caution and escalated in accordance with company procedures. Any interaction with naval units should be conducted in a calm, professional and non-provocative manner.

Operational disruption is likely. Members should be prepared for delays to transit, instructions to hold position, congestion outside the Strait, and short-notice requirements to reroute, slow steam or suspend passage. Unnecessary drifting or prolonged waiting in or near the Strait should be avoided where practicable.

Vessels transiting the area should incorporate clear contingency options for delay or diversion. For voyages involving Iranian ports or proximity to Iranian territorial waters, Members should assume the potential for communications disruption and sudden changes to port status.

Operational safety remains the overriding priority. Members are reminded that delays, deviation or prolonged waiting may trigger war risk notification requirements, and that early engagement with insurers is advisable where operational changes arise.

Although a formally recognised legal closure of the Strait of Hormuz has not been confirmed, the reported warnings represent a serious operational development. Members should plan on the basis that navigation through the area may be disrupted at short notice and that Masters may be required to take immediate, safety-driven decisions.

The Swedish Club continues to monitor developments closely and will issue further updates should the situation change materially.