A Thailand-linked cargo ship was among vessels hit in recent attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Norway to ban its ships from entering the area. Photo: AFP
A ship linked to Thailand was recently hit in an attack in the Middle East. Now Norway has taken a drastic step to protect its ships, The Maritime Executive reports.
Authorities in Norway have banned all Norwegian-flagged vessels from sailing into the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most important shipping routes.
The move follows growing fears of attacks on commercial ships in the region. Among the incidents was a strike on the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, a vessel connected to Thailand.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean. A large share of the world’s oil and gas passes through it every day, making it a crucial route for global energy supplies.
But tensions in the region have made the route increasingly dangerous.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority said the situation has worsened so much that it moved from warning shipping companies to issuing a full ban.
Ships sailing under the Norwegian flag are now not allowed to enter the Gulf through the strait at all.
Some Norwegian ships are already inside the Gulf. Their operators must now decide whether it is safer to stay where they are or try to leave the region.
Shipping organisations say crews and companies must carefully consider the risks before sailing in the area, stressing that the safety of seafarers comes first.