Ankara raises maritime alert to highest level for vessels transiting Strait of Hormuz PHOTO

Türkiye has heightened its maritime security alert to the highest level for Turkish-flagged vessels either calling at Iranian ports or navigating through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes amid escalating missile attacks between Israel and Iran and a surge in electronic interference disrupting navigation systems in the region.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced on June 18 that Türkiye has raised the security level to Level 3 under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to ensure the safety of Turkish maritime operations, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Turkish media.

 "We have elevated security measures to the highest level for Turkish vessels operating in Iranian ports and transiting the Strait of Hormuz," Uraloğlu said.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Oman and Iran, is a narrow waterway crucial to global energy supplies, handling roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil, around 18 million barrels per day. This passage serves as the primary export route for major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Since last week, missile strikes between Israel and Iran have triggered Tehran’s retaliatory actions, which have led to widespread electronic interference affecting navigation systems near the Strait and throughout the wider Gulf region. Shipping analysis firm Windward reported that nearly 1,000 vessels have experienced such disruptions since the conflict intensified.

On June 17, two oil tankers collided approximately 24 nautical miles off the UAE coast in the Sea of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels caught fire, though fortunately, there were no injuries or oil spills reported. The UAE Energy Ministry stated that preliminary information suggests the collision likely resulted from a navigational misjudgment by one of the ships. Importantly, the ministry did not link the incident to the ongoing electronic interference caused by regional hostilities.

The ongoing conflict and related disturbances at the Strait of Hormuz risk driving up crude oil and gasoline prices, as past conflicts in the area have historically caused price spikes. However, such price increases tend to be temporary as oil flows have typically continued without prolonged disruption.

Türkiye’s newly implemented security measures, effective as of June 17, include tighter control over vessel access, limiting boarding to authorised personnel through a single entry point. In coordination with port authorities, security operations onboard ships will be intensified, which may lead to temporary suspension of loading and unloading activities to address emerging threats.

Furthermore, deliveries of supplies, provisions, and similar materials to ships will undergo more thorough inspections. Depending on security assessments, these deliveries may be limited, delayed, or even denied altogether. Uraloğlu emphasised that measures might involve directing onboard staff and temporarily suspending entry and exit operations as part of the ship security plan.

In addition to personnel and cargo restrictions, ships must ensure that all electronic and physical surveillance systems are fully operational at all times. This includes using all available onboard lighting to illuminate surrounding areas and maintaining surveillance equipment capable of extended recording durations.

Ships are also required to expand restricted zones onboard as needed to respond to perceived security threats. These comprehensive precautions are designed to provide early warnings and mitigate risks, thereby safeguarding Turkish maritime operations amid heightened regional tensions and instability.

By Tamilla Hasanova