US-Iran War: Three Tankers, Broadcasting Omani Ownership, Enter Strait Of Hormuz Through New Route Along Oman Coast

US-Iran War: Three tankers, apparently broadcasting Omani ownership, appeared to evade Iran's chokehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz by taking a different, southern route along Oman's coastline rather than the northerly path through Iranian waters.

Three Ships Escape Hormuz Chokehold Through Alternate Route

Two oil supertankers and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel entered the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to Bloomberg, citing satellite signals the vessels were broadcasting.

According to the Equasis marine database, all three vessels are managed by Oman Ship Management Company.

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The tankers include the largest type of oil tankers, and one that would be the first LNG vessel to enter the Gulf since the conflict began on February 28. Each of the three ships was broadcasting that they were Omani when transitioning.

According to tracking data, the tankers were carrying about two million barrels of crude oil, while the LNG carrier appeared to be empty. One tanker, loaded in Saudi Arabia in late February, signalled its destination as Kyuakpyu in Myanmar, while the other was carrying fuel from Abu Dhabi.

While it is unclear whether the tankers have completed the journeys, crossing usually takes several hours. The route followed by the tankers lies south of the designated shipping lanes through the waterway, and far from the more northerly path that runs between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands, the report added.

Iran To Monitor Ship Transit Through Hormuz?

According to reports, Iran and Oman are drafting a protocol to monitor ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes of easing disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict. Tehran is also reportedly trying to set up a tolling system, seeking payments of up to $2 million per voyage through the strategic waterway.

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The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, prompting retaliatory measures from Tehran.