Iran has opened a safe shipping corridor for friendly countries, through which Indian ships departed.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Amid heightened tensions, Iran has launched a safe corridor for the safe passage of allied ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which passes through Iranian territorial waters.

Located near Iran's Larak Island, this passage is only permitted for select vessels. Only ships with prior approval from Iranian authorities can use the corridor.

Indian ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz through this corridor.

According to maritime news agency Lloyd's List, at least nine ships have already used this corridor. At least one of these tanker operators has paid nearly $2 million to ensure safe passage. In most cases, approval has been obtained through diplomatic coordination.

Three Indian-flagged gas tankers, the Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Jag Ladki, successfully transited the strait via this route and arrived in India. Shipping data shows that these vessels avoided the usual shorter route through Oman waters and instead passed through monitored Iranian territorial waters.

The risk still remains

Although the route is being touted as safe, experts warn that approval from Iranian authorities does not guarantee safety. Various divisions of the Revolutionary Guard Corps can still stop or seize ships, creating uncertainty for shipping companies.

Iran's attempt to establish greater control over the Strait could escalate tensions. The risks remain high for many global shipping companies, especially those affiliated with Western countries. However, this option could prove beneficial for countries with trade ties to Iran.

This is the current procedure for entering Hormuz.

Under the current system, ships must undergo rigorous screening before entering the Strait of Hormuz. Several countries, including India, Pakistan, Iraq, Malaysia, and China, are negotiating with Iran to secure passage for their ships.

This system is managed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A registration mechanism is being developed for ships seeking approval. A more formal approval system may be introduced in the future. Shipping operators are required to share all information, including ship ownership, cargo, and destination, in advance through intermediaries.

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