Norway has officially barred its merchant vessels from entering the Strait of Hormuz, a significant regulatory move in response to the escalating attacks on shipping in the context of the U.S.–Iran conflict. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) announced on Thursday that all Norwegian-flagged ships are prohibited from entering the Persian Gulf through this vital chokepoint due to a rapidly worsening security situation characterized by increasing assaults on civilian vessels.
This decisive action marks a departure from earlier recommendations that merely discouraged navigation in the area. With this new directive, the risk level has escalated from advisory status to an outright ban. According to Alf-Tore Sørheim, the Director General of Shipping and Navigation, vessels already operating in the Gulf will not be forced to leave immediately. Instead, shipowners will assess their own security conditions to determine if staying or evacuating presents a lower risk.
The NMA’s warning comes amid ongoing military operations in the region, with the threat level classified as “critical.” Officials indicated that GPS and communications systems are subject to interference, complicating navigation efforts. Given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass, this prohibition could have far-reaching effects on international maritime operations. The ban will remain in place until further notice as authorities continue to evaluate the situation.
