WANA (Jun 28) – The UK Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is increasing despite an elevated security threat and two attacks on merchant ships over the past 72 hours.

 

In its latest maritime security assessment, the center reported that shipping activity in the Persian Gulf has risen, while congestion at regional anchorages has eased.

 

According to the report, commercial vessels are transiting the Strait of Hormuz via the southern shipping lane under Omani control and the northern lane under Iranian control.

 

The JMIC nevertheless assessed the security threat in the Strait of Hormuz as “significant,” warning that the risk of satellite navigation interference and ongoing regional military activity remains high.

 

The center confirmed two attacks on commercial vessels over the past 72 hours. In the first incident, on June 25, a container ship approximately 7.5 nautical miles off the coast of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing damage to part of the vessel’s bridge.

 

In the second incident, on June 27, an oil tanker about 8 nautical miles off the Omani coast was hit by what the center said was likely a drone, also damaging the vessel’s bridge.

 

No casualties or environmental pollution were reported in either incident, and both vessels were able to continue their voyages without major disruption.