Oman says Strait of Hormuz to remain open without tolls
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MUSCAT, Oman, June 24 — Oman said it would keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping without imposing tolls and has designated two temporary routes to support the safe passage of vessels departing the region.
The temporary maritime corridors were established in coordination with the International Maritime Organization amid heightened security risks in the strategic waterway.
Oman said in a notice to mariners that the existing Traffic Separation Scheme in the Strait of Hormuz was currently unsafe for use. Vessels departing through the strait may instead use temporary routes located north and south of the existing shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the war, has been heavily disrupted since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, curbing commercial shipping and affecting global energy markets.
Oman said navigational safety remained the priority and that vessel traffic would need to move gradually and under control because of an elevated risk of collisions.
Under a phased plan developed by the IMO with Omani authorities, vessels will be grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when to depart and which route to follow. Ships will be directed to a designated waiting area in international waters before being cleared to proceed.
Vessels using Oman’s eastbound route must maintain communications with coastal authorities and follow navigational instructions.
Oman said shipowners and masters remain responsible for conducting independent risk assessments before voyages. Vessels were instructed to keep their Automatic Identification System active during transit and report any navigational hazards to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.
Oman said no tolls would be imposed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, in line with the outcome of recent talks between the United States and Iran.
Iran and Oman began discussions on the future administration of navigation and maritime services in the waterway on Tuesday. Longer-term arrangements, including potential costs linked to maritime services after the current 60-day period, are expected to be addressed in the talks.
Source: Reuters
