Europe is examining proposals that could permit navigational fees in the strait of Hormuz, provided the tolls are not compulsory and are backed by the UN's maritime regulator, while the US urges Iran to confirm the strait is open.
Key facts
- Europe is studying proposals to allow the charging of navigation fees in the strait of Hormuz.
- Any tolls must not be compulsory and must have the support of the UN agency that regulates maritime transport.
- US officials are urging Iran to publicly state the strait is open and that shipping can safely pass.
- UK deputy prime minister David Lammy warned that imposing compulsory tolls would be disastrous.
- Some UK cabinet colleagues noted payment systems for navigational services exist in waterways such as the strait of Malacca and the Channel.
Europe is studying proposals that could allow the charging of navigational fees in the strait of Hormuz, according to the Guardian. The plans specify that any such tolls must not be compulsory and must carry the support of the United Nations agency that regulates maritime transport.
The discussions come as US officials urge Iran to make a public statement that the strait is open and that shipping can safely pass through it, the Guardian reported.
Britain’s deputy prime minister, David Lammy, said the imposition of compulsory tolls would be disastrous, according to the report.
However, some of Lammy’s cabinet colleagues said they recognised that systems of payments for specific navigational services are permissible in many natural waterways. They pointed to examples including the strait of Malacca and the Channel.
The distinction between voluntary charges for specific services and compulsory tolls appears central to the European proposals, with the requirement for backing from the UN maritime regulator serving as a further condition under consideration.
The strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most significant maritime chokepoints, and the current focus on both navigational fees and assurances of safe passage reflects concerns over shipping through the waterway.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global shipping, so any change to how vessels pass through it could carry wide economic implications. The debate over voluntary versus compulsory fees, and the push for Iran to guarantee safe passage, touches on trade, security and international maritime rules.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions do the European proposals set for navigation fees?
According to the Guardian, the plans specify that any tolls must not be compulsory and must have the support of the UN agency that regulates maritime transport.
What is the US asking Iran to do?
US officials are urging Iran to make a public statement that the strait of Hormuz is open and that shipping can safely pass, the Guardian reported.
What did David Lammy say about the tolls?
Britain's deputy prime minister David Lammy said the imposition of compulsory tolls would be disastrous, according to the Guardian.