Norwegian Maritime Authority bans vessels from entering Hormuz
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has decided that, until further notice, Norwegian-flagged vessels will not be permitted to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
For ships already operating in the area, the NMA will continue to place weight on the security assessments made by the companies themselves. This change means that, until further notice, no Norwegian-flagged vessel may enter the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. For vessels already operating in the area, companies will remain responsible for assessing the security situation should circumstances arise where leaving the area is considered safer than remaining.
We do not believe any companies are planning voyages into this area in the near future. However, given the way the situation has developed, it is important to underline that we are now moving from a strong recommendation regarding traffic in the area to a prohibition on entering the Strait of Hormuz. For ships already inside the area, level 3 still applies
… said Director General of Shipping and Navigation Alf‑Tore Sørheim.
Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea: MARSEC/ISPS-level 3
Military operations are ongoing in the region, and the threat level is assessed as critical, indicating that attacks are likely and that conditions remain highly hazardous for commercial shipping.
According to Norwegian Maritime Authority, Heavy GPS/AIS spoofing within the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman continues to be reported. Additionally, intermittent disruptions affecting communications and radar systems have also been observed.
Recommended measures
- Use threat assessments and transit advice for the region are provided by UKMTO and EUNAVFOR. Can be found on the MSCIO website.
- Report to UKMTO and MSCIO in accordance with guidelines.
- Ensure that contingency procedures and routines for GNSS/GPS signal loss are relevant, up to date in accordance with the threat landscape, and implemented on board.
- Use “BMP Maritime Security” in preparations and operations and prepare the vessel and crew through planning and drills.
- Stay alert and maintain a high level of situational awareness, both at sea and in port.
Recommended sources related the situation in the whole region:
- Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC)
- United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre
- Maritime Security Center Indian Ocean (MSCIO)
This change of MARSEC/ISPS-levels take place as from 12.03.2026. 14.00 UTC
Arabian sea has been increased to MARSEC/IPSP level 2
Based on the resent incidents in the area related to the conflict in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, the MARSEC/ISPS level of parts of the Arabian sea has been increased to MARSEC/IPSP level 2.
The maritime security level for the northern area of the Arabian Sea has been raised to MARSEC/ISPS level 2 (change). MARSEC/ISPS level 2 area as indicated in the chart below:
In recent days, civilian vessels attempting to leave the area have come under attack. This is an unacceptable and serious assault on civilian shipping. We are in close dialogue with companies operating under the Norwegian flag that have vessels in the area. We understand that the situation has deteriorated further and that they are now likely facing increased insecurity
… Sørheim concludes.
Source: safety4sea.com
