Bahrain - Restrictions on the Movement of Vessels between Bahrain and Iran

On 7 January 2016 the authorities in Bahrain issued an Administrative Order stating that due to the recent severance of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Iran, the movement of vessels between these two countries has been restricted.

The Administrative Order states that:

• All Bahraini flagged vessels are prohibited from visiting any Iranian ports.
• Iranian flagged vessels are prohibited from entering any ports in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Vessels of any flag are prohibited from proceeding directly from an Iranian to a Bahraini port.
• A vessel of any flag which visited an Iranian port as one of its last three port calls requires approval from the Bahrain Security Authorities prior to entering Bahraini waters.

An entered vessel has since been denied entry to Bahrain after visiting an Iranian port two port calls earlier, resulting in the fixture being cancelled.

Members with vessels due to call at Bahrain or contemplating such a fixture are advised to take account of the new restrictions. Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.