Strait of Hormuz tolls reflect enduring geopolitical and economic control over waterways
Original framing: “Fees for seas: a history of taxing waterways” — Financial Times
The practice of taxing waterways dates back to the Ottoman and Danish empires, where control over trade routes was a key source of power. These historical precedents show that Iran's current toll system is part of a broader pattern of state control over maritime infrastructure, not an isolated or novel move.
The Iranian toll system in the Strait of Hormuz is not an isolated policy but a continuation of a long history of state control over strategic maritime routes.
This control reflects broader geopolitical and economic power structures that prioritize national sovereignty and profit over regional cooperation and sustainability. Indigenous and regional knowledge systems offer alternative models of stewardship that emphasize shared use and ecological balance. By integrating these perspectives with scientific research and multilateral governance, it is possible to create more equitable and resilient maritime systems. Historical precedents from the Ottoman and Danish empires show that such control is not new, but the solutions must be modern, inclusive, and forward-looking.