A Thai Oil Tanker Safely Transits Strait of Hormuz, Sending Limited Passage Signal for "Non-Hostile Vessels"

According to reports from CCTV News and other media outlets, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed on Tuesday that, after negotiations with Iran and Oman, a Thai oil tanker that had been anchored in the Persian Gulf for several days has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Subsequently, Thai publicly listed company Bangchak Petroleum announced that a crude oil tanker reloading the company’s cargo from the Middle East recently safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker is currently crossing the Indian Ocean and is expected to deliver crude oil to Thailand in early April. Previously, the tanker had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11.

(Source: Bangchak Petroleum official website)

The Iranian Embassy in Thailand also issued a statement saying that this passage is the result of close cooperation between Iran, Thailand, and Oman.

As the latest developments unfold, a new passage paradigm for the Strait of Hormuz is gradually taking shape. According to Lloyd’s List, a maritime authority source, Iranian authorities are establishing a “safe corridor” for inspecting and allowing ships to pass, which will cross Iran’s Larak Island territorial waters. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and port authorities will visually verify and assess ships using the island.

(Changes in routes for ships crossing the strait before and after the conflict, source: Lloyd’s List)

As of the latest information before publication, Iran is reportedly sending a letter to member states of the International Maritime Organization this week, stating that “non-hostile ships” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz with “coordination with Iranian authorities”.

Iran reiterated in the letter that ships related to the United States and Israel, as well as other countries involved in attacking Iran, do not qualify for non-hostile passage.

(Source: Cailian Press)