Iran blockade set to resume

Image: CENTCOM

As signaled by President Trump in the social media post that we reported on yesterday, the U.S. will resume blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports today, July 14, at 4 p.m. ET. However, as of now, there appears to have been no formal move to implement the 20% charge on all cargo shipped via Hormuz mentioned in the Trump post.

CENTCOM says that its forces will enforce the blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas and notes rhat The U.S. military continues to support traffic flow through regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.

The resumption of the U.S. blockade against Iran follows the initial implementation from April 13 to June 18. CENTCOM forces redirected more than 140 compliant vessels, disabled nine non-compliant ships, and allowed over 50 commercial vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass through the blockade during the two-month period.

All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.

Additional information will be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice.

STOLT VESSEL STRUCK

Underscoring that the Strait of Hormuz region remains a dangerous place, Stolt Tankers reports that its vessel Stolt Magnesium suffered from an explosion of an unidentified external device while off the coast of Oman.

As a result of the impact, the ship experienced a fire in the engine room. All Stolt Magnesium seafarers are safe and accounted for, with no injuries sustained. Their families have all been contacted. All relevant authorities and parties meanwhile have been informed.

Stolt Tankers says that it is currently engaging with authorities and experts to make arrangement for the safeguarding and securing of the vessel and its cargo.