DGRM issues navigation advisory for Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters

The Portuguese Maritime Administration (DGRM) has issued Flag Instruction No. 06/2026, urging all Portuguese-flagged vessel operators to exercise extreme caution in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea following the escalation of military conflict in the region.

In response to coordinated U.S.–Israeli military strikes on 28 February 2026 and subsequent Iranian retaliatory actions, the IRGC has issued warnings prohibiting vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a 70% reduction in vessel traffic and suspension of operations by major shipping companies.

DGRM strongly discourages transit through the affected areas and advises all vessels to implement MARSEC/ISPS Security Level 3 measures should passage be operationally unavoidable. Key recommendations include:

• Avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters unless absolutely necessary
• Reassessing all planned port calls in the Gulf region
• Maintaining a minimum distance of 30 nautical miles from military vessels
• Ensuring continuous communication with maritime authorities
• Reporting any suspicious activity or threats to DGRM immediately

 

For further information, operators may contact DGRM at isps.assist@dgrm.pt or marad@dgrm.pt.

>> DGRM's Flag Instruction No. 06/2026