The Strait of Hormuz currently has around 80 mines in its main shipping routes, as estimated by the UN’s International Maritime Organization. This highlights the challenges in restoring normal operations in this crucial oil passage.
Due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, two alternative shipping routes have been established through Hormuz: one close to Oman’s coast, managed by the US, and another controlled by Iran, which is closer to its shores. This change was made to avoid the mines believed to be placed in the main corridor, called the Traffic Separation Scheme.
The presence of these mines has raised significant concerns among shipowners and crews responsible for transporting oil, gas, and other goods from the Middle East to global markets.
Following a recent temporary US-Iran peace agreement, the shipping industry is urging authorities to clear the old shipping lane, but the mine removal process is expected to take weeks.
According to the peace deal, Iran is tasked with removing the mines, but progress on this front remains unclear. There have been mixed messages from Tehran regarding whether vessels can navigate freely or need authorization.
On Thursday, a vessel was attacked along the Omani route, leading several others to turn back instead of continuing. This incident caused the International Maritime Organization to cancel a plan for evacuating freighters that have been stuck in the Persian Gulf for months.
Despite these ongoing risks, the peace agreement has led to a restoration of exports from the region, reaching about 80% of pre-war levels in recent days, with more tankers seen departing from the Persian Gulf on Friday.
Intertanko, the leading trade group for tanker owners, advised its members to postpone trips through the strait until the situation improves, labeling the Iranian route as concerning.
Phillip Belcher, Intertanko's marine director, stated, “There are issues and ambiguities that need to be addressed in any follow-up measures to ensure safe navigation.”
Last week, Pakistan, which coordinates navigational warnings in the region, reported detecting a mine near Oman, although the US Navy had previously stated that the southern route was safe. Earlier this month, the UK and France announced plans to lead an international mine-clearing mission in the strait.