Iran and Oman discuss proposal to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic

Muscat has unveiled a proposal to introduce a voluntary fee system for vessels transiting Omani waters, mirroring the arrangement used in the Strait of Malacca. The scheme, announced by the Ministry of Transport, would allow shipping companies to contribute financially to the maintenance and security of the maritime corridor, with payments made on a voluntary basis rather than as a compulsory charge.

Under the model, fees collected from participating ships would be allocated to projects that enhance navigation safety, bolster anti‑piracy measures, and support environmental protection initiatives along the route. The Omani government cited the Strait of Malacca’s experience, where voluntary contributions have helped fund joint‑venture infrastructure and monitoring programs without imposing mandatory levies on trade. Officials indicated that the proposal will be reviewed by relevant ministries and industry stakeholders before any formal adoption.

If approved, the voluntary fee system could provide a supplemental source of funding for Oman's maritime infrastructure while maintaining the competitiveness of its shipping lanes. The government plans to present a detailed implementation framework at the upcoming Gulf Maritime Forum, where regional partners are expected to assess the proposal’s feasibility and potential impact on international trade flows.