UPDATE: US and UK respond to the diversion of the product tanker Stena Impero

Stena Impero is a UK-flagged vessel and the UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt told the House of Commons that the Iranian charge d’affaires from its London embassy was summoned to “receive a formal protest”.

The UK Government has also raised the security level for UK-flagged ships to Security Level 3 and advised against passage through the Straits of Hormuz. This will have implications for insurance and charter parties, as explained by Tatham & Co partner Stephen Askins.

A more robust response is being formulated, with Germany and France looking to develop a maritime protection mission.

The US has formulated its own response called Operation Sentinel. Navies of flagged commercial vessels are now able to report their own escort operations to US Navy Central Command (USNAVCENT) to promote: “maritime stability, ensure safe passage, and de-escalate tensions in international waters throughout the [Middle East] Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Oman… co-ordinate with allies and partners in Europe, Asia and the Middle East on the details and capabilities required for Operation Sentinel to enable freedom of navigation in the region and protect vital shipping lanes.”

The aim appears to be to bring together as much information as possible on which navies are escorting which ships and is seen as a prelude to formal tanker convoys.

In addition, the North of England P&I Club has issued a circular reminding shipping of the joint guidance issued by BIMCO, ICS, Intertanko and OCIMF for vessels transiting the Middle East Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. This advises:

• Masters register with United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) when entering the Indian Ocean voluntary reporting scheme for the Indian Ocean, specifically Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
• Comply with flag state guidance.
• Masters provide transit plans 24-48 hours in advance for the Straits of Hormuz and Middle East Gulf to UKMTO, including:
  • Time of entering/exiting the Straits of Hormuz traffic separation scheme.
  • Outline of navigation plan while operating in Straits of Hormuz and Middle East Gulf.
  • Any constraints or speed restrictions.
  • Crew nationality.
• Chief security officer to ensure all contact numbers for UKMTO and USNAVCENT are correct.
• In the event of any incident or being concerned, Masters should call UKMTO immediately.
• Masters answer all VHF calls from coalition navies. Ch16 is becoming very busy, alternative channels will be offered.
• CSOs and Masters prepare, print and have available the correct response if called on VHF.
• UKMTO will share information with the navies joining Operation Sentinel.