A maritime services platform linked to Iran is attracting attention after adding Bitcoin and the Lightning Network as payment options for ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz.

The platform, called Hormuz Safe, says it provides a range of services for vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and nearby waters. These services include marine insurance, traffic monitoring, security support, emergency response, and transit coordination.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes. A large share of global oil and gas exports passes through the narrow waterway every day. Because of its importance, any new payment system used in the region is likely to draw international interest.

According to information published on Hormuz Safe's website, customers can pay for services using traditional methods such as wire transfers, letters of credit, and major credit cards. The platform also accepts digital assets, including bitcoin (both mainnet and via the Lightning Network), USDT, and USDC.

The company promotes its payment system as a way to provide "seamless payments beyond borders and banking constraints."

Hormuz Safe describes itself as a maritime services provider based in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The company says it offers insurance coverage for vessels and cargo, vessel traffic services, maritime security, emergency towing, search and rescue operations, firefighting support, and medical evacuation services.

The website also highlights several performance claims. Hormuz Safe says it was established in 2016, and has secured more than "15,000+ Strategic Operations," "maintains a “99.9% Operational Transit Integrity”, and can respond to emergencies in less than 30 minutes.

It also claims to have agents at major ports across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea.

One of the most discussed parts of the platform is its support for Bitcoin's Lightning Network. Lightning is a payment system built on top of Bitcoin that allows transactions to be completed much faster and at a lower cost than standard Bitcoin transfers.

Supporters of Bitcoin say this technology can help businesses move money quickly without relying on traditional banking systems. That feature has become especially important in regions affected by financial restrictions and sanctions.

However, reports note that there is still no public evidence showing that large numbers of shipping companies have already made major payments through the Lightning Network. What has been confirmed is that the payment options are listed on the platform and described in its terms and payment policies.

Hormuz Safe's website explains how Bitcoin payments work. According to the company, customers receive a unique payment address and a rate-locked invoice. Once the payment is confirmed, the customer receives a receipt and transaction record.

The use of Bitcoin in this situation has also raised legal and compliance concerns.

The US Treasury has previously sanctioned organizations that Washington says are connected to Iranian efforts to control and profit from vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz. US officials have warned that companies involved in certain Hormuz-related payment arrangements could face sanctions risks.

According to those warnings, the legal risks do not disappear simply because a payment is made with bitcoin instead of through a bank. Authorities say transactions may still be traced through invoices, brokers, exchanges, insurers, and other businesses involved in the payment process.

The interesting aspect is that the company continues to offer traditional payment methods such as credit cards, SWIFT transfers, and bank wire transfers despite its links to Iran, which remains subject to extensive U.S. sanctions.

Another listed payment option is stablecoins, including USDT and USDC. In the past, US authorities have worked with Tether to freeze wallet addresses that were allegedly linked to the Iranian government. It remains unclear why Iran continues to rely on this payment method despite the risk that associated assets could be frozen.

Another concern is fraud. Maritime security experts have reported cases in which scammers allegedly pretended to be Iranian officials and demanded bitcoin payments from ships in exchange for safe passage through the region.

This means shipowners must be careful when receiving payment requests. A request could be a legitimate invoice, a fraudulent demand, or a transaction that creates legal and compliance concerns.

Hormuz Safe states that only communications sent from the email addresses listed on its website should be considered official and trustworthy.