The Strait of Hormuz near Oman has less ship traffic after U-turns
The number of vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz adjacent to the Omani coast diminished significantly on Sunday, following a day when several vessels departing that route executed abrupt reversals, highlighting Iran’s persistent attempts to assert control over this critical maritime passage. One products tanker that turned around on Saturday seems to be making a renewed effort, navigating past the tip of Oman’s Musandam peninsula. A products tanker previously navigated the same route, clearly indicating its intentions, and is currently transmitting its position in the Gulf of Oman. Some individuals are choosing to traverse during the night. One Suezmax crude carrier was observed in the Gulf of Oman following its last transmission from the Persian Gulf on Saturday.
Additionally, during Friday and Saturday, a minimum of eight vessels were observed making U-turns while navigating through Hormuz via the Omani route. Four of them subsequently proceeded to navigate northward along the Iranian route, departing from the strait. There was no immediate explanation for the sharp reversals; however, Iran has consistently asserted that vessels must only navigate the strait via the route designated and authorised by the Islamic Republic. Naval liaison groups have not yet provided commentary on the sudden reversals.
On Saturday, 19 vessels traversed the Strait of Hormuz in both directions; however, only one explicitly indicated its inbound passage along the Omani coastline, according to data. That compares with the count of 13 recorded along that route on Friday. This tally includes only observed transits, and figures may change as more dark crossings — made without transponders switched on — are verified. Throughout much of the conflict, numerous vessels attempting to exit the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz have received warnings from Iranian forces via radio communications, indicating that they should refrain from proceeding without obtaining permission from Tehran.
Iran has engaged in hostilities against several vessels that continued their passage. Tanker companies have faced challenges due to the intermittent reopening of Hormuz. Their readiness to assume the risk associated with traversing the narrow waterway is essential for the normalisation of the oil market, which continues to recover from a significant four-month crisis.
