This bifurcated arrangement follows the recent U.S.–Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and its associated 60-day ceasefire, which has facilitated the partial reopening of the Strait. However, the International Maritime Organization–endorsed Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) remains suspended due to credible concerns regarding the presence of naval mines—widely attributed to Iranian military activity.

On 19 June, the PGSA formally asserted jurisdiction over the Strait by instituting a mandatory permit regime. In its official notice, the Authority stated: “No vessel may transit the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.” Permits are exclusively granted for the northern route; use of alternative routes—including the southern corridor—is expressly prohibited under PGSA regulations.

Conversely, on 18 June, the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) issued updated navigational guidance affirming that vessels may transit the southern route at any time—day or night—provided they maintain Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmission, active radar operation, illuminated navigation lights, and standard VHF radio usage. While shipmasters are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the U.S. Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) program, such coordination remains voluntary. Independent transit via the southern route is fully permissible without prior engagement.

Nonetheless, JMIC advisories caution commercial operators about the continued risk of mine hazards in both corridors and note ongoing naval mine countermeasures operations. Mariners are further advised to anticipate heightened vessel density in designated transit lanes and potential VHF communications from naval forces aimed at facilitating safe and efficient passage.

This dual-regime framework has introduced significant operational ambiguity for shipowners and fleet managers, particularly as overall transit volumes across the Strait begin to recover following the U.S.–Iran agreement. According to AIS data compiled by Pole Star Global, several vessels—including the Indian-flagged VLCCs "Desh Vibhor" and "Desh Viabhor", and the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier "Hai Tun Zuo"—transited the northern route between late 19 and early 20 June (local time), reflecting early compliance with the PGSA mandate.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/d9zRXrlXIsfSSQdiTtKQKQ