Oman opposes ‘transit fees’ on ships in Hormuz
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- Oman says it opposes imposing mandatory transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Muscat is open to voluntary charges for maritime, environmental, and navigational services.
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said the sultanate does not support imposing mandatory transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving the door open to voluntary charges for specific maritime services.
Speaking to French radio station Monte Carlo Doualiya, Albusaidi said fees for maritime, environmental, and navigational services "can be discussed voluntarily with the beneficiary countries and companies."
He said such services could include improving navigational safety, protecting waters from pollution, and strengthening preparedness to respond to accidents or emergencies.
Albusaidi added that Oman could draw on existing models, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, where service-related arrangements are already in place. His remarks come amid renewed discussions over navigation and maritime security in one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes.
