Oman announced it would keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping without imposing any tolls and designated two temporary routes north and south of the existing shipping lane to facilitate the safe departure of vessels from the region. The move comes in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish temporary maritime corridors amid heightened security risks.
Background of the Disruption
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before the war, has been heavily disrupted since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. This conflict has curbed commercial shipping and rattled global energy markets.
Temporary Routes Established
In a notice to mariners, Oman stated that the existing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the strategic waterway is currently unsafe for use. Vessels departing through the strait can instead use temporary routes located to the north and south of the existing shipping lanes. The TSS, adopted by the United Nations’ shipping agency in 1968, had established routing lanes through Iranian and Omani waters in the strait.
Oman's Commitment to International Law
The Gulf Arab state said the measures reflect its responsibilities toward the strait, its importance to the global economy, and its commitment to international law and freedom of navigation, citing understandings reached between the United States and Iran. Oman emphasized that navigational safety remains the overriding priority and that a gradual, controlled movement of vessel traffic is required due to an elevated risk of collisions.
Phased Departure Plan
Under a phased plan developed by the IMO in coordination with Omani authorities, vessels will be grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when they may depart and which route they should 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 comply with all navigational instructions.
Responsibilities and Safety Measures
Oman said shipowners and masters remain responsible for conducting independent risk assessments before voyages. Vessels are instructed to keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) activated during transit and to report any navigational hazards to the Oman Maritime Security Center.
No Tolls Imposed
Oman’s statement confirmed that 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. While the interim US-Iran agreement provides for commercial vessels to transit without charge for 60 days, the talks are expected to address longer-term arrangements, including any costs associated with maritime services after that period ends.
