Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and Greece have issued warnings and advised operators to heighten security for vessels and crews as tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran affect key maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Cyprus advisory to Cyprus-flagged vessels
Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Shipping urged owners and operators of Cyprus-flagged vessels to avoid calls and commercial transactions in ports or countries where political instability, armed conflict or civil unrest prevail, or where such risks appear imminent.
In a circular signed by Acting Permanent Secretary Theodoulos Mesimeris, the ministry called on owners, managers, directors and masters operating in or transiting through affected areas to maintain heightened vigilance and close communication with port authorities, the flag state and local agents, in line with the ISPS Code.
Ships were advised to strengthen onboard security measures as appropriate to safeguard both vessel and crew.
Recommendation to implement higher security precautions
Given the ongoing military escalation in the wider region, the ministry recommended that Cyprus-flagged vessels implement precautions equivalent to ISPS security level 3, in accordance with their approved ship security plans.
Captains were urged to assess the security situation at each port of call, as well as when navigating or remaining in territorial waters, and to adopt additional protective measures where necessary.
Transit guidance and reporting requirements
The circular called for a re-evaluation of transits through the Strait of Hormuz and other affected areas, suggesting vessels consider remaining at a safe port or anchorage in neighbouring countries outside the high-risk zone until conditions stabilise.
Operators were advised to continuously monitor NAVTEX navigational warnings and to immediately report any security-related incident to the Deputy Ministry of Shipping.
Greece places ministry on high alert
Greece has taken similar steps, with the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy placed on high alert over developments in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias said the ministry’s Operations Centre is in constant communication with companies operating Greek-owned or Greek-managed vessels in the wider region.
What steps are shipping operators taking to reassess voyages through the Strait of Hormuz?
