The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has warned that new maritime access restrictions are being enforced on Iranian ports and coastal areas, further disrupting traffic in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
In an advisory issued on 13 April, UKMTO said restrictions, effective from 1400 UTC, apply to Iranian ports and coastal areas across the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of Hormuz.
The measures cover vessels of all flags calling at Iranian ports, oil terminals, and coastal facilities.
The move follows ongoing regional instability after a brief US–Iran ceasefire failed to restore normal shipping conditions, with tanker traffic already slowing ahead of anticipated US maritime restrictions.
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Shipping line Hapag-Lloyd said the situation remained difficult to assess, with a spokesperson stating: “What’s important is that passage through the Strait of Hormuz be restored as soon as possible.”
Reuters reported that passage remains constrained due to security risks and insurance challenges, particularly amid concerns over naval mines.
Despite this, some non-Iranian tankers continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz, although under heightened operational risk.
