Oman Rejects Hormuz Transit Fees in Firm IMO Statement

Oman Draws a Clear Line at the IMO

Oman has issued what appears to be its firmest statement to date on navigation rights through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Maritime Executive, with gCaptain also covering related developments in the region. Speaking after Council Meeting 137 at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London on July 9, Oman’s delegation stated that transit passage through straits used for international navigation is guaranteed under international law, and confirmed it “does not support the imposition of transit fees” on vessels passing through the Strait.

The statement followed remarks from the IMO Secretary General condemning what were described as “reckless attacks” on commercial ships and seafarers in the Strait in recent days.

Untangling Oman-Iran Talks

According to the report, confusion had built up around Oman’s efforts to reach consensus with Iran on Strait navigation, stemming from routine diplomatic contact as well as direct talks held in Muscat on May 24 and June 29. Oman reportedly proposed reviewing Navigation Dues — charges for lighthouses, channel markings, traffic control and emergency response, comparable to those levied by Trinity House in UK and Irish waters — while rejecting any concept of passage fees. Iran, by contrast, is said to have sought control over navigation on both sides of the Strait, vetting rights for transits, and the ability to charge passage fees.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi clarified the Sultanate’s position in a July 1 interview with Monte Carlo Doualiya, stating any bilateral understanding with Iran must remain within international law and UNCLOS, and that transit fees are “prohibited under international law.” He also noted discussions on improving environmental protection, navigational services and emergency response, drawing on models used in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore, and said responsibility for mine clearance in the Strait rests with Iran under its 14-Point MoU with the United States.

Rising Tensions in Omani Waters

The report suggests Oman’s tone hardened following a series of attacks on vessels within its territorial waters, including strikes on Saudi and Qatari ships. Qatar, which had also pursued consensus-building with Iran, appears to have shifted stance following an attack on the Nakilat-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged LNG tanker Al Rekayyat, which had loaded cargo at Ras Laffan. Whether Iran responds to Oman’s firmer position by returning to negotiations remains uncertain.

Apeks view — For operators routing through Hormuz, the practical question isn’t diplomatic language but risk exposure that shifts week to week. A clear legal position on transit rights doesn’t offset the reality of attacks on vessels in the same waters, regardless of flag or cargo. Technical managers should treat statements from any party as one input among many, alongside insurer guidance, flag state advisories, and vetted incident reporting, rather than a signal to relax voyage planning or war-risk coverage decisions.