A tanker reported hearing an explosion in close proximity to the vessel off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British government organization that monitors maritime security incidents in the region.

The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, at 20:37 UTC on Sunday. UKMTO disclosed the event in a social media post on Monday.

"The Master of a tanker reports hearing an explosion in close proximity of the vessel," UKMTO stated. "The vessel and crew are all reported as safe."

No further details regarding the cause of the explosion, the identity of the vessel, or potential damage were immediately available.

The Strait of Hormuz, located near the reported incident site, is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints for oil and commercial shipping. According to the US Energy Information Administration, roughly 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and condensate passed through the strait in 2023, accounting for about a fifth of global oil consumption. Khasab is situated on the Musandam Peninsula, which overlooks the strait.

The reported explosion comes amid heightened tensions in the region. US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that negotiations with Iran would commence on Monday, following his earlier decision to call off a planned military strike. Trump did not specify a deadline for reaching an agreement.

Maritime incidents near the Strait of Hormuz have previously prompted shipping companies and insurers to reassess war-risk premiums for vessels transiting the waterway, though it remains to be seen whether this latest report will have any such effect.

Source: Ship & Bunker