Norway has prohibited vessels under its flag from entering the Strait of Hormuz as security risks for commercial shipping continue to escalate in the region.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority announced that Norwegian-flagged ships are no longer allowed to sail into the Persian Gulf through the strait. The decision marks a shift from earlier guidance that strongly advised against transits but did not formally ban them.
The measure represents the strictest step taken so far by any maritime regulator in response to the growing threat to merchant shipping in the region.
Officials said the security situation has deteriorated to the point where a prohibition is now necessary. Authorities cited increasing attacks on merchant vessels and the overall instability in the area.
Ships already operating in the Gulf are not required to leave immediately. Shipowners may decide whether it is safer to remain in the region or attempt to exit through the strait, depending on their own risk assessments.
Norwegian authorities warned that even vessels attempting to leave the Gulf have recently come under attack, highlighting the growing danger for commercial shipping.
The regulator said it remains in close contact with Norwegian shipping companies that still have vessels operating in the region and continues to monitor the situation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, normally carrying around one-fifth of global oil trade, but the security situation has sharply reduced commercial traffic in recent days.
