Tehran:Amid the US and Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz over the standoff to end the war in the Middle East, Tehran has introduced new rules for vessels seeking to transit the strategic waterway and collect a toll from them, according to a shipping journal.

Tehran's move to formalise control over the waterway came even as Washington pushed for a deal to reopen the narrow passage through which a fifth of the world's oil normally passes

Inside Iran's Move"The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has already introduced a new framework requiring ships to obtain transit authorisation and pay tolls before sailing," said Lloyd's List, the industry journal which provides news and intelligence on shipping and maritime trade.

Citing a form-- titled "Vessel Information Declaration"-- sent by the authority, the journal added that all ships seeking safe passage through the strait "are required to submit detailed records of ownership, insurance, crew details and intended transit route."

The form reportedly contains over 40 questions requiring shipping vessels to also disclose their name, identification number, any previous name, country of origin and destination, nationalities of the vessel's registered owners, operators and crew, as well as details of the cargo on board. 

Source:Ndtv