HORMUZ TRANSIT CLEARANCE AUTHORITYSTRAIT OF HORMUZ CORRIDORHTCA2026Hormuz Transit Clearance AuthorityHTCA · Transit Permits Division
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Bahrain · Regional Maritime Information

Manama Shipping & Strait of Hormuz Transit Information

Manama is the capital of Bahrain and the centre of the country's petroleum, maritime, and financial services industries. Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) operates a 267,000 barrel-per-day refinery at Sitra, whose crude feedstock is imported via tankers and whose refined product exports — including aviation fuel, diesel, and fuel oil — transit the strait. The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), based on Hidd island, is one of the Gulf's most important ship repair and maintenance facilities, regularly dry-docking VLCCs and large tankers. Bahrain hosts the United States Navy Fifth Fleet at NSA Bahrain, and the Combined Maritime Forces coordination centre, both of which are relevant to the security environment in the corridor.

Role in Strait of Hormuz Traffic

BAPCO's refinery throughput generates regular product tanker traffic transiting the Strait, both inbound with crude feedstock and outbound with refined exports. ASRY handles vessels needing dry-docking and major repairs; tankers calling for ASRY services make transits at the beginning and end of their repair periods. Bahrain's financial services sector includes maritime insurance and P&I correspondents serving the broader Gulf market. The Bahrain Economic Development Board actively promotes Manama as a financial hub for Gulf shipping and maritime commerce.

Key Ports and Routes

Khalifa Bin Salman Port is Bahrain's main commercial port, handling containers, Ro-Ro, and general cargo. Sitra terminal is the principal oil terminal serving BAPCO's refinery. ASRY occupies a dedicated facility at Hidd. Bahrain International Airport also serves as a freight hub with significant air cargo connectivity for high-value maritime spare parts and equipment.

Transit Clearance Considerations

Vessel operators using ASRY for dry-docking should apply for transit clearances for both the inbound transit to Bahrain and the subsequent outbound transit after repairs. Delays in completing dry-dock work may require certificate reapplication if the original transit date has passed. Vessels carrying dangerous goods as part of a cargo transferred at a Bahrain terminal should ensure DG declarations are updated prior to the outbound transit application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a vessel going to ASRY for dry-docking need two separate certificates?

Yes. The inbound transit into the Gulf to reach Bahrain requires one certificate, and the outbound transit after dry-docking is complete requires a separate certificate with the updated transit date.

Is BAPCO responsible for arranging transit clearance for product tanker shipments?

Transit clearance is the responsibility of the vessel operator or their authorised representative, not the cargo owner or charterer. BAPCO may coordinate with its shipping counterparties, but the legal obligation rests with the vessel operator.

What is the processing time for expedited clearance for ASRY repair vessels?

Expedited Processing reduces the certificate issuance time to 24 hours after confirmed payment. This add-on is particularly useful when dry-dock completion dates shift unexpectedly and the departure transit needs to be rescheduled at short notice.

Published: January 2025 · Last updated: October 2026

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