Oman Refuses to Apply Ship Toll, Examines Safety Tariffs in the Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - The government of Oman stated that it opposed the idea of applying toll fees to ships sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, but considered imposing special tariffs to ensure the safety of ships during navigation.

French radio Monte Carlo Doualiyamengutip Menteri Luar Negeri Badr AlbusaidimengatakanOman bertujuan menjaga navigasi melalui jalur air tersebut tetap aman dan terbuka untuk semua, mengingat pentingnya jalur maritim ini bagi perekonomian global dan negara-negara regional, termasuk Iran, kata menteri tersebut.

He said Muscat did not support the imposition of fees on ships for transit, but did not rule out offering maritime services such as navigation safety, emergency preparedness, and pollution control, similar to those in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

Albusaidi ensured that any steps taken regarding the strait would be carried out after consulting with countries and companies that use the route.

Meanwhile, regarding mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, Albusaidi said Muscat was open to various proposals, but stressed that the primary responsibility for doing so lay with Iran.

In mid-June, Iran stated that it was working with Oman to draft a new legal framework for shipping in the strait. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that things would not be as usual after the US-Israeli attack.

Iran proposed charging to ensure safe shipping lanes, not customs duties. After agreeing to a memorandum with the US, Iran committed on June 18 to not charge any fees from ships for 60 days.