Tag: Persian Gulf

Nautilus International has welcomed a reduction in risk levels by the UK for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Namely, on November 7 the Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC) agreed to downgrade the Strait of Hormuz from a High-Risk Area.

The tension in the Strait of Hormuz over the last months continues to pose serious threats to commercial vessels. Today, Thursday, November 7, a UK Chamber of Shipping spokesperson called for a de-escalation of tension in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that UK flagged ships will soon transit the area without close Royal Naval protection. 

Iran seized another vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 250,000 litres of diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates, according to Iran’s semi-official Students News agency ISNA. The ship was detained near Iran’s Greater Tunb island in the Persian Gulf.

Iran has seized a tugboat which was allegedly smuggling fuel on Saturday, September 7, and detained its 12 Filipino crew. Iranian TV reported that the vessel was transmitting about 284,000 litres of diesel. Iran hasn't provided additional information for the vessel, as under which flag its flying.

As EIA informs the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a strategic route for oil and natural gas shipments. The strait is a sea route chokepoint between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.

As Bloomberg reports, the US sanctions against Iran and Abu Dhabi's competition are having a negative impact at DP World Plc's ports in Dubai, who are seeing a less cargo volumes for a fifth year in a row. Drewry focuses on the fact that the Dubai's container volumes have also been affected by the restrictions on cargo shipments to Qatar because of an embargo by the UAE and additional Arab nations.

According to the Farsnews, Iranian news agency, the Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, commented that Iran is the 'guardian of security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz', adding that the regional issues will be solved through discussions amongst neighbors.

Gard advises all vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf region to be highly alerted, operate with a heightened level of security and follow relevant guidance, as the tension in the area keep increasing.

The Strike Club informed that it will continue to provide marine delay insurance for operators in the Straits of Hormuz between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The Club reached this decision, despite rising political tensions in the area and recent attacks on six tankers.

The Maritime Administration of the Marshall Islands issued an advisory concerning vessels operating in or near the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The note highlights that many are the countries that conduct naval exercises and operations in these areas. Thus, this advisory supplements information and navigation warnings routinely provided by other sources.