UK Maritime Trade Operations upgrades Strait of Hormuz threat to severe despite open shipping route
The UK has raised the Strait of Hormuz threat level to severe, urging ships to remain vigilant as vessel crossings decline despite the southern shipping.
The near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping waterway, since the war began has threatened global energy security. (Photo: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo/picture alliance)
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to severe, while advising that the southern transit route remains open and has been expanded to allow two-way traffic despite Iran's declaration that the strategic waterway is closed.
Under the latest advisory, shipowners and mariners can continue transiting commercial vessels through the designated southern route.
However, UKMTO warned that the security situation remains serious and urged vessels to maintain communication with the Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS). It also advised crews to stay alert for naval communications and the potential risk of sea mines.
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The advisory clarified that coordination with NCAGS is not mandatory. Ships may use the southern route without prior coordination, as there is no controlling authority regulating passage or charging fees for transit.
“Mariners should expect Very High Frequency (VHF) hailing from naval forces and be cognizant of the mine danger area in the traditional traffic separation scheme. Mariners are reminded that they are strongly encouraged to maintain engagement with NCAGS and utilize established reporting and coordination procedures,” the advisory adds.
Meanwhile, the latest update from global shipping tracker MarineTraffic shows that vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz have declined as shipping operators remain cautious.
Confirmed vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz fell for a second consecutive day on July 9, dropping to 22 from 30 the previous day.
MarineTraffic said activity remained largely low-risk, with commercial vessel movements only slightly exceeding non-commercial traffic.
“Operators continued to favour the Iranian route, while the Omani route recorded just one crossing, reinforcing the lasting impact of recent security incidents near Oman. No new physical attacks have been recorded since July 7, but renewed US-Iran military escalation continues to weigh on confidence that diplomatic efforts will deliver near-term stability,” the tracker said two days ago.