Singapore has firmly rejected the possibility of negotiating with Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing a fundamental commitment to international maritime law. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated on April 7 that the Republic will not engage in discussions for safe passage or negotiate toll rates, framing the decision as a matter of principle rather than a geopolitical alignment.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the critical waterway—which was effectively closed on Feb 28—has grow a flashpoint for regional conflict. While several other nations have reportedly struck bilateral deals with Tehran to ensure the flow of fuel and goods, Singapore maintains that such arrangements would undermine the legal framework governing the world’s oceans.
Speaking during a parliamentary discussion on the impact of the Middle East conflict, Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that the right of transit passage is a legal certainty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which Singapore is a signatory. He argued that treating this right as a negotiable privilege would erode the very principles that protect global shipping.
“There is a right of transit passage, it’s not a privilege to be granted by the bordering state,” Dr. Balakrishnan said. “It’s not a licence to be subjugated at all. It is not a toll to be paid. It is a right of all nations’ ships to traverse.”
The Legal Stakes for a Global Hub
For Singapore, the refusal to negotiate for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a diplomatic stance but a strategic necessity. As a city-state situated on the Strait of Malacca, Singapore relies on the absolute adherence to international law to ensure its own waters remain open to global trade.
The minister pointed out a critical parallel: the Strait of Singapore’s narrowest point is less than two nautical miles wide, significantly tighter than the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz, which is 21 nautical miles. He noted that more maritime oil and global container trade flow through the region of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca than through the Strait of Hormuz.
By taking a categorical position, Singapore aims to reinforce the idea that UNCLOS serves as the “Constitution of the oceans.” Dr. Balakrishnan further asserted that the right of transit passage is part of customary international law, meaning it applies even to states that have not ratified the convention. “This is not a ‘get out of jail free’ card for states that have not ratified UNCLOS,” he added.
Comparing Global Responses to the Hormuz Crisis
Singapore’s approach contrasts with that of several other oil-dependent nations that have prioritized immediate energy security over the strict application of UNCLOS. The Philippines, for instance, which imports 98 percent of its oil from the Middle East, has reportedly struck deals with Iran to maintain fuel supplies.
Other countries, including India, Iraq, Thailand, and Pakistan, have also secured safe transit. Notice further reports of commercial vessels paying significant sums to ensure passage; China’s Ministry of Commerce, citing a Lloyd’s List report, noted that some ships are paying fees as high as US$2 million (S$2.6 million) to Iran.
| Country/Entity | Approach to Transit | Reported Terms/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Principled Adherence to UNCLOS | Refuses to negotiate tolls or safe passage deals. |
| Philippines | Bilateral Agreement | Secured passage for 98% oil import dependency. |
| India, Thailand, Pakistan | Secured Transit | Arrangements made to ensure continued flow. |
| Certain Commercial Ships | Financial Payments | Reported fees of up to US$2 million per transit. |
Despite this rigid legal stance, Dr. Balakrishnan confirmed that he maintains a diplomatic channel with Tehran, having engaged with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi before the war. He expressed confidence that he would engage with the Iranian Foreign Minister again in the near future, though such talks would not include negotiations for ship passage.
Energy Resilience and National Security
The disruption in the Middle East has prompted the Singapore government to accelerate its energy diversification strategies. Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng informed Parliament that the government is ramping up negotiations with neighboring countries to explore new energy sources and supply routes.
A key pillar of this strategy is the import of renewable energy. Singapore has granted conditional approval for 11 projects across Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sarawak (Malaysia), and Vietnam, with a goal to import up to 8.35 gigawatts of renewable energy—surpassing the original target of 6 gigawatts.
When questioned by MP Edward Chia regarding the possibility of ASEAN collaboration on nuclear energy, Dr. Tan remained cautious. While Singapore is studying modest modular reactors, he stated that the Republic would be a “fast adopter but not a first mover,” emphasizing that the government would not place the population at risk by adopting first-of-a-kind technology before it is proven safe in other jurisdictions like the US or China.
Addressing concerns from MP Gerald Giam regarding oil stock levels—specifically the international benchmark of maintaining 90 days of net imports—Dr. Tan characterized the specific figures as a matter of national security. He stated for the record that Singapore has supplies to last for “months” and intends to maintain those levels.
Next Steps for Maritime Safety
While the government will not negotiate tolls, it is not leaving Singapore-flagged vessels without support. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) remains in close contact with ship owners and operators in the Persian Gulf. Agencies are currently exploring alternative opportunities to facilitate safe transit and are engaging regional counterparts to establish other possible arrangements.
The government’s focus remains on maintaining the integrity of international law while diversifying energy imports to mitigate the risks of future choke-point disruptions. The next phase of this strategy involves the execution of the conditionally approved renewable energy projects and ongoing diplomatic engagement with regional partners.
We invite readers to share their perspectives on the balance between international legal principles and immediate energy security in the comments below.
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