Shipping executives warned that President Donald Trump’s proposed 20% levy on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz could backfire by discouraging ship traffic and further reducing activity on the crucial trade route.
Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd rejected the idea of imposing tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, irrespective of the country imposing it, calling it “fundamentally wrong” to charge for passage through international waters. The company said fees for infrastructure-based waterways like the Suez and Panama Canals are justified due to major investments, unlike the Strait of Hormuz, reported CNBC.
On the other hand, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) Chief Safety Officer, Jakob P. Larsen, called Trump’s proposal “innovative and well-intentioned” but warned that U.S.-imposed tariffs or transit fees on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz could further reduce shipping traffic through the key waterway. BIMCO said higher costs would discourage vessels from using the route unless security risks from Iran decline significantly.
Kpler data showed that confirmed ship crossings through the Strait of Hormuz fell by about 52% between July 10 and 12 compared with the previous week, as commercial vessels adopted more cautious routes amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. Shipping shifted toward Iranian and “dark” routes, while traffic through IMO and Omani corridors nearly vanished despite no confirmed physical attacks since June 27.
Hormuz traffic turns defensive
— Kpler (@Kpler) July 13, 2026
Confirmed Strait of Hormuz crossings declined by around 52% week on week over 10 to 12 July, with traffic reverting to more defensive routing patterns. Use of Iranian and Dark routes increased while activity on IMO and Omani corridors almost… pic.twitter.com/XxoPhWHqjS
Trump’s Hormuz Plan Sparks Debate
On Monday, Trump announced the reinstatement of the "Iran Blockade" and proposed a 20% fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. should be reimbursed for providing security as the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait." Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took a dig at Trump and argued that Iran has historically been the Strait’s guardian and said the proposed fee was too high.
Risk analyst and geopolitics expert Brett Erickson criticized Trump’s proposal to impose a 20% fee on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a sign of desperation amid rising tensions with Iran. He said he does not believe the plan is serious and described Trump as increasingly stressed over the situation.
Erickson also criticized the U.S.-backed Omani route through the waterway, arguing that American forces cannot guarantee the safety of vessels using the alternative passage after two ships were reportedly struck in the area.
On the other hand, Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper backed Trump’s decision to reinstate a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, calling the move the "right" step as Washington seeks a larger security role in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the measure could help strengthen U.S. pressure on Iran.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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