Iran Turns Back Karachi-Bound Container Ship SELEN at Strait of Hormuz Over Missing Transit Permit

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has turned back a small container vessel destined for Pakistan’s main port of Karachi, enforcing a new requirement for prior permission to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri confirmed the action, stating that the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged containership SELEN was intercepted and forced to reverse course for failing to comply with legal protocols and lacking authorization to pass through the waterway.

“Any vessel passing through this waterway requires full coordination with Iran’s maritime authority,” Tangsiri said, highlighting Tehran’s firm control over the critical chokepoint.

AIS data shows the abrupt diversion: The SELEN (IMO 9208459), a 2000-built feeder container ship of approximately 6,850 dwt, left Sharjah Anchorage in the UAE on March 23 bound for Karachi. Tracking data indicates the vessel approached the Iranian-controlled traffic lane near Qeshm Island before turning back toward the Persian Gulf and anchoring off the southwestern coast of Qeshm.

The move comes as Iran tightens administrative oversight of the strait amid ongoing regional tensions. Unconfirmed reports suggest vessels may now face “pay-to-pass” fees reaching up to $2 million for safe transit, though Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed such charges.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 21% of global seaborne oil trade and remains one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries. Iran has long warned it could restrict traffic in response to threats, and this incident marks a clear demonstration of its emerging permission-based regime.

The SELEN was heading directly to Karachi, Pakistan’s busiest commercial port. While Tehran and Islamabad maintain longstanding ties, the turn-back exposes risks to shipping routes serving Pakistan and could prompt Islamabad to seek clearer coordination mechanisms with Iranian authorities for future transits. Pakistan has previously obtained clearances for its tankers during past disruptions in the region.

No damage or injuries were reported, and the vessel remained at anchor in the Persian Gulf as of March 24. Maritime analysts say ship operators will now need to build in advance coordination with Iranian officials when planning passages from the Gulf to the Arabian Sea to avoid similar delays.