UK maritime agency warns of critical security threat in Strait of Hormuz
The maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains “critical” due to ongoing military operations in the region, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an advisory issued on May 4.
The warning, issued on behalf of the Joint Maritime Information Center, urged commercial vessels to coordinate movements with Omani authorities via VHF Channel 16 and to exercise heightened caution when transiting the area, Caliber.Az reports.
According to UKMTO, vessels are advised to consider routing through Oman’s territorial waters south of the traffic separation scheme, where the United States has established an enhanced security zone.
According to UKMTO, vessels should be prepared for an increased naval presence, stricter security measures, possible VHF radio communications, and congestion in anchorage areas.
UKMTO also noted that the United States has established an enhanced security area south of the traffic separation scheme in the strait to support vessel transits. Ships were advised to consider routing through Omani territorial waters in that area and to coordinate with local authorities due to expected high traffic volumes.
The advisory warned that transit near or within the traffic separation scheme could be extremely hazardous because of the presence of mines that have not yet been fully surveyed or neutralised, urging operators to carefully review risk assessments before proceeding.
By Sabina Mammadli
editor@caliber.az
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