Strait of Hormuz threat remains ‘serious’; US-backed JMIC tells sailors to use extended southern route | Today’s news
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), the Bahrain-based information-sharing hub operated by the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), has advised commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to exercise caution, saying the threat to maritime security in the strategic waterway remains at a “severe” level despite the availability of expanded transit routes.
In an Advisory Note issued on July 10, JMIC, which facilitates coordination between commercial shipping and naval forces, urged ship owners, operators and mariners to maintain close coordination with the US Navy’s Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) when navigating the Strait, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping corridors.
The southbound lane remains open
The advisory said the expanded southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to all commercial traffic, even after recent attacks on merchant vessels.
Sailors should expect VHF radio calls from naval forces when passing through the area and should be aware of the mine danger zone in the traditional traffic separation scheme that was outlined in the earlier JMIC advisory.
Although vessels are strongly encouraged to coordinate with NCAGS and follow established reporting procedures, the advisory explained that such coordination is not mandatory. Ships are free to use the southern route without prior coordination.
JMIC also noted that other transit routes remain available, although not protected.
No authority can restrict passage
The adviser reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation and emphasized that no state has the power to close or control the Strait of Hormuz, nor is any fee required to use any of the available transit routes.
The US military said its forces remain ready to deter threats and respond to any attempts to disrupt lawful maritime traffic through the strategic choke point.
“US forces are fully prepared to deter threats, defend freedom of navigation and respond decisively to any attempt to disrupt lawful transit through the strait,” the adviser said.
Ships are advised to stay in touch
JMIC encouraged merchant vessels to maintain communication with NAVCENT’s Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) to obtain the latest information on safe transit routes and operational updates.
The advisory comes as security concerns remain in the Gulf region following recent attacks on commercial shipping, keeping the Strait of Hormuz under heightened maritime surveillance.
