Ships crossing Hormuz use Oman passage despite Iran warnings

AI Summary

Despite Iran's warnings, vessels continue to use a southern passage near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. Commodity vessels including oil, gas, and dry bulk carriers persist in this route amid tensions after a vessel was struck by a projectile, impacting regional maritime security and commodity shipping.

Traffic levels in the Strait of Hormuz fell back from Wednesday's high, but vessels continued to use a non-Iranian-approved passage, despite a ship being struck by a projectile, tracking platforms showed Friday. At least 42 commodity vessels -- including tankers carrying oil, gas, and dry bulk such as fertilisers -- crossed on Thursday, Kpler's tracking platform showed, down from a high of 57 on Wednesday. Ten of those vessels entered the Gulf, while 32 exited. Half of the 42 vessels used a southern passageway hugging the coast of Oman.