Legal Definitions - sea lane

Definition: A sea lane is a designated course or regularly used route for ships, especially in restricted waters such as harbors and straits. It is an important concept in international and maritime law.

Example: The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial sea lane for oil tankers traveling from the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. It is a narrow passage that connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, and is heavily monitored by naval forces due to its strategic importance.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a sea lane is a designated route for ships to follow in restricted waters. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that is difficult to navigate, and therefore requires a designated sea lane to ensure the safe passage of ships. Without a sea lane, ships could collide with each other or run aground, causing serious damage and potentially harming the environment.