An oil tanker carrying petroleum for India has crossed the Strait of Hormuz. This information has come to light from various websites that monitor maritime traffic. The ship named ‘Nisos Keros’ is heading towards Visakhapatnam and is likely to reach there by June 3. The Marshall Islands-flagged ship had departed from Sharjah on May 21. The ship appeared in the North Arabian Sea near the west coast of India at 6 am on Friday (May 29) Indian time.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday (May 28) that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allowed 23 merchant ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours. These included oil tankers and container ships. According to the Iranian military, the movement of all ships was carried out only after formal coordination with the naval authorities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, it is not yet clear whether any fee was charged from ships for passing through this route.
According to ship information agency Ocvisar, the ship ‘Nisos Keros’ coming towards Visakhapatnam is owned by Arethusa Shipping Corporation, while it is operated by Cyclades Maritime Corporation. The ship, built by Hyundai, is 333 meters long and has a carrying capacity of 3,18,744 tonnes or 3,38,648 cubic metres.
Iran has already threatened to levy duties on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In the same month, Iran had announced the creation of an independent body called ‘Persian Gulf Strait Authority’ to control maritime traffic. The United Nations has declared charging fees for passage through international waterways illegal.
The US has demanded Iran to restore free movement in the Strait of Hormuz. After the US and Israel bombed Iran in February, Iran was accused of laying sea mines and attacking ships in this route.
Free maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has become a key issue in Iran war end talks. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, “This strait will remain open to all.” Iran’s actions have affected about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies. This is expected to deepen the global energy and economic crisis. On Wednesday, Trump also warned Oman. He said the US could take action against Oman if an agreement was reached with Iran to impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait. Oman is located on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz, opposite Iran.
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