VESSELS AND CARGOES BLOCKED OR DIVERTED IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
PG Legal is available 24/7 to provide urgent legal assistance to all maritime operators — freight forwarders, shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, shippers and insurers — involved in situations of detention, arrest, forced diversion or non-delivery of vessels and cargoes transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Current Situation
The escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region have resulted in a significant increase in cases of forced detention, prolonged inspection, mandatory diversion and, in some instances, arrest of merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These events have immediate repercussions on:
- Charter contracts (time charter, voyage charter, bareboat): safe port/safe berth obligations, deviate voyage, off-hire.
- Bills of lading (B/L): carrier liability, war risks clauses.
- Hull & Machinery (H&M) and P&I insurance: war risks cover (Institute War Clauses), Additional War Risk Premium.
- Sale contracts (CIF, CFR, FOB): risk of delay, supervening impossibility, force majeure clauses.
- International sanctions (EU, US/OFAC, UK): compliance exposure in connection with operations in the region.
Legal Assistance
Our team, specialising in maritime law, international trade law and public international law, is ready to intervene immediately in relation to:
| Area | Services Offered |
| Vessel Arrest / Detention | Negotiations with the competent authorities, urgent release applications, P&I-backed security arrangements. |
| Charter contracts | Assessment of off-hire issues, safe port warranty, review of war risk clauses, out-of-court and arbitral dispute resolution (LMAA, ICC). |
| Cargo & Bills of Lading | Letters of protest, preservation of evidence, protection of the rights of shippers and consignees. |
| Marine Insurance | Support in the handling of claims, coordination with P&I clubs, review of war and strikes cover. |
| International Sanctions | OFAC/EU/HMRC screening, urgent compliance opinions, communications with supervisory authorities. |
| Force Majeure / Frustration | Opinions on applicability, contractual notices, protection in cases of non-performance. |
Recommended Immediate Actions
Preserve all onboard documentation: logbook, AIS communications, correspondence with authorities, and cargo documentation.
This notice is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein may not reflect the most recent developments in the geopolitical situation. Clients are invited to contact us to receive tailored legal assistance updated to their specific circumstances.