Oman has announced measures to keep vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz, confirming it will maintain free passage and impose no tolls as efforts continue to restore navigation through the strategic waterway.
The Gulf state said it has designated two temporary maritime routes, one north and one south of the existing shipping lane, to allow vessels to safely exit the region.
The move has been coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as authorities seek to stabilise navigation following months of conflict.
In a notice to mariners, Oman said the existing Traffic Separation Scheme, the main routing system for vessels transiting the strait, is currently unsafe for use.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important waterways, previously carrying around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Shipping through the corridor has been heavily disrupted since conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran erupted in late February.
The interruption to commercial traffic has increased volatility in global energy markets, with traders closely monitoring developments across the region.
Under the new arrangements, ships departing the Gulf will be directed through specially designated corridors under close supervision.
Omani authorities said vessels would be grouped and contacted individually, with instructions on departure times and the routes they should follow.
Ships will also be directed to waiting areas in international waters before being cleared for transit.
The measures form part of a phased plan developed with the IMO, aimed at ensuring a gradual and controlled resumption of maritime traffic while reducing the risk of accidents.
Officials said elevated security risks mean navigational safety remains the overriding concern, warning that congestion and uncertainty could increase the likelihood of collisions.
Vessels using the designated routes will be required to maintain communication with coastal authorities and comply with all operational instructions.
Ship operators have also been instructed to keep tracking systems active and report any hazards to Oman's maritime security authorities.
Oman confirmed that ships transiting the strait will not be charged fees, reflecting agreements reached in recent talks between the U.S. and Iran.
While the interim arrangement allows toll-free passage for a limited period, discussions between Iran and Oman have already begun on longer-term rules governing navigation and potential service charges.
Oman said its actions reflect its responsibility to ensure freedom of navigation through the strait and safeguard a route vital to global trade.
As tensions remain high and shipping gradually resumes, the success of these measures will be critical to restoring confidence in one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.
There has been no response from the U.S., which in May warned Oman against facilitating any system of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
The warning was issued by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a post on X, where he said: "Oman, in particular, should know that the U.S. Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved, directly or indirectly, in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalised."
Oman has not been directly drawn into open confrontation with Iran. However, it has become increasingly exposed to the fallout from the conflict because of its strategic position at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Omani ports and infrastructure were struck by drone attacks earlier in the conflict, reflecting the wider spillover of hostilities across the Gulf.
Its involvement in discussions over navigation and security in the strait has also placed it at the centre of diplomatic efforts to stabilise one of the world's most critical shipping routes, even as tensions between major powers remain high.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said it had struck U.S.-linked military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, claiming damage to air defences and radar sys...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed its latest review of Ukraine's financing programme, clearing the way for the immediate release of ...
Türkiye has taken a new technical step to facilitate direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalisation process between the two countries...
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said it had struck U.S.-linked military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, claiming damage to air defences and radar systems, as U.S. forces carried out a 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The IRGC also said two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed its latest review of Ukraine's financing programme, clearing the way for the immediate release of around $690 million in additional support. The latest disbursement brings total funding under the programme to about $2.2 billion.
Türkiye has taken a new technical step to facilitate direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalisation process between the two countries.
Defence companies are accelerating efforts to develop a new generation of high-speed interceptor drones as Russia increasingly deploys jet-powered versions of its Shahed attack drones, posing a growing challenge to Ukraine's air defences.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 20th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
At least six people were killed and 21 others injured after two earthquakes struck Peru's central Junín region, destroying dozens of homes and triggering a major emergency response.
Kylian Mbappé has become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on more than one occasion. The French forward won the award presented to the top goalscorer of the tournament for the second time, despite France being knocked out in the semi-finals.
The United States launched fresh strikes against Iran after two U.S. service members were killed in Jordan. U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to the fallen troops as Iran warned of further escalation.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
Türkiye has taken a new technical step to facilitate direct trade with Armenia as part of the ongoing normalisation process between the two countries.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met a leading representative of German business Monday evening during an official Berlin visit. Talks with Michael Harms, Chairman of the Eastern Committee of the Germany Economy, focused on trade, energy cooperation and transport links between Europe and Asia.
Iran said it has received overtures from regional mediators aimed at de-escalating the ongoing military standoff between Tehran and Washington.
Kazakhstan and Georgia will begin testing a digital permit exchange system for international road freight on 22 July, replacing paper permits with an electronic platform designed to streamline cross-border transport.
Georgia and Azerbaijan have launched a digital system for issuing and exchanging permits for international road freight transport. Georgian carriers can now use electronic permits in Azerbaijan, as they already do in Türkiye.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment