Oman: New routes opened for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Oman opposes transit fees

Oman has made its big stance clear regarding trade and movement of ships via sea. In an important meeting held in London, Oman said that freedom of movement of ships in the sea should be in accordance with international law. Oman has made it clear that it is strictly against imposing any kind of duty on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The 137th meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was held on 10 July 2026 in London. During this, Undersecretary of Transport Ministry Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shammakhi represented Oman. He said Oman is fully committed to the security of international shipping routes and to the uninterrupted flow of global trade. He stressed that ships have the right to pass under international law and there should be no transit fee.

In this series, on July 9, 2026, Oman, in collaboration with IMO, has determined two new temporary routes in the Strait of Hormuz. These routes have been built to the north and south of the existing shipping lanes. Oman has clearly said that no toll or tax will be taken from ships passing through these new routes, so that the passage of ships remains easy and safe.

Britain’s Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer has also supported Oman on this decision. He said Britain stands by Oman’s sovereignty and the principle of freedom of navigation.

Earlier on July 1, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi had clarified that any agreement with Iran should be in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He had clearly said that Oman does not support the imposition of transit fees as it is against international rules.

The Omani delegation also held discussions with the Secretary General of IMO during the meeting. In this conversation, maritime security, protection of environment and dealing with new challenges coming in the sea were discussed. In addition, the EU is also planning an EU-GCC High Level Forum, in which the safe movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz will be a key issue.