TEHRAN, March 26 (Bernama-dpa) -- Iran's Revolutionary Guards have introduced a "de facto 'toll booth' regime" to control international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an analysis published in shipping magazine Lloyd's List, reported German news agency dpa.
Under the system, ships are required to present full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept an escort by the Revolutionary Guards through a single controlled corridor in the Strait, the magazine reported on Wednesday, citing shipping data and several sources familiar with the new system.
A total of 26 vessels have transited the strait via this route around Larak Island off Iran's southern coast since March 13, the report said.
Using real-time vessel traffic data, no transits via the usual route could be recorded after March 15. In a further 21 cases, no re-routing could be confirmed due to a lack of data.
According to three unnamed sources, ship operators are required to contact approved intermediaries with ties to the Revolutionary Guards before departure.
They are then instructed to submit documentation covering identification numbers, ownership, cargo manifests - with oil currently prioritised - destination and a full crew list. The Revolutionary Guards then carry out a verification check.
"While not all ships are paying a direct toll at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan," the report said.
Once a vessel passes the check, it is issued a code that is later verified by radio, after which a pilot boat is dispatched.
According to Iran's UN mission, vessels not considered hostile and not supporting military action against Iran are permitted to use the Strait of Hormuz, provided they comply with all Iranian security regulations and coordinate their passage with the relevant authorities.
The strategically vital waterway for international energy trade has, however, effectively been blocked for large parts of the shipping industry amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
Iran's controls, warnings of mines and drone attacks, and the withdrawal of war-risk insurance have made passage virtually impossible for Western shipping companies in recent weeks.
Hundreds of tankers, container ships and cargo vessels are stranded in the region.
--BERNAMA-dpa
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