Oil tankers use new Hormuz route despite Iranian threats

Dubai: Several tankers sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday using a new shipping route promoted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), despite Iranian threats against vessels using the passage along Oman's coast.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting the Gulf to reassure American allies, said Washington was committed to keeping the new route operational. Traffic through the strait has increased but remains below prewar levels.

Led by the tanker Stoic Warrior, the vessels travelled along the UAE and Omani coasts, passing close to Oman's Musandam Peninsula. The route was established by Oman and the IMO after Iran declared it had mined the traditional Traffic Separation Scheme in the middle of the strait following US and Israeli strikes on Feb 28. At least one mine has reportedly been sighted there.

While some ships had already transited the strait with US military support, the UN-backed initiative is the latest effort to free trapped vessels. Shipping company Maersk said its container ship Maersk Baltimore and another chartered vessel also exited the strait safely on Thursday.

According to Lloyd's List Intelligence, 125 vessels crossed the strait last week, up from 33 the previous week. S&P Global reported 78 transits on Wednesday, the highest since the conflict began, including 10 crude oil tankers, five of them outbound very large crude carriers capable of transporting up to two million barrels of oil. However, daily traffic remains well below the prewar average of more than 130 vessels.

IRAN REJECTS ROUTE

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that the Oman route had been created "without notice or coordination" with Tehran and called it "unacceptable and completely dangerous". It insisted the only authorised route was the one designated by Iran, warning that vessels using other passages would face consequences. No incidents were reported on Thursday. 

However, private security firm Ambrey said the Guard had threatened a tanker over radio communications on Wednesday, warning it was within missile range.

RUBIO ASSURES ALLIES

Meeting foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Rubio said any agreement with Iran would not undermine the security or prosperity of US partners in the region. He also said the US and its Gulf allies would ensure no tolls were imposed on ships using the strait and would support continued use of the Oman route.

Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani welcomed US support and expressed hope for regio­nal stability, emphasising Iran must fulfil obligations.