Three oil tankers bypassed Iran's toll checkpoints, sparking cheers across the international shipping community—and leaving Tehran furious!
On April 3, three oil tankers carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Saudi Arabia and the UAE navigated a non-traditional route along the coast of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, successfully circumventing Iran's inspection posts located between Sirri Island and Qeshm Island. Satellite imagery appears to confirm this development.
Throughout the conflict, Oman has maintained a low-profile stance in managing relations with both Iran and the West, thereby providing a relatively safe passage for oil tankers to avoid Iranian checkpoints.
The three successful vessels chose a non-traditional route hugging the coast of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula—close to Omani territorial waters—thus avoiding Iran’s inspection stations between Sirri and Qeshm Islands.
Differing from previous ships that opted for Iran-designated “safe corridors,” these three tankers neither paid tolls to Iran nor submitted to Iranian inspections. Carrying energy products from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, they became the first ultra-large oil tankers after the outbreak of conflict to depart the Persian Gulf with full insurance coverage and compliance with sanctions—two of them together transporting 4 million barrels of crude oil.
However, there is a risk involved. Normally, internationally recognized navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz are close to the median line or near the Iranian coastline—deep enough for large vessels, equipped with reliable radar and communication systems, facilitating emergency avoidance, and acknowledged by the vast majority of commercial insurers.
In contrast, the “Oman detour route” deviates from established international shipping lanes and may not qualify for full insurance or standard maritime practices. In case of accidents, shipowners could face massive losses. Nevertheless, the successful evasion by the three tankers has brought hope to the global shipping industry.
As I see it, some countries might emulate this maneuver and seek alternative routes. Whether Oman’s route will be adopted more widely depends on its security capabilities and insurance recognition. Tehran is undoubtedly furious—but it would be awkward for Iran to retaliate against Oman, especially since Oman recently led negotiations.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861414630617100/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.