The UK-led Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) said on Sunday that vessels can continue transiting the Strait of Hormuz through a southern shipping route, despite Iran’s declaration that the strategic waterway has been closed.

In an advisory issued to shipowners, operators and mariners, the JMIC maintained the maritime threat level at “severe” but said the southern route remains open and has been expanded to accommodate two-way traffic.

The advisory warned that ships operating in the area should expect hostile radio communications from Iranian naval forces and remain vigilant due to the presence of a mine danger zone within the standard traffic separation scheme.

The JMIC also encouraged vessels to maintain contact with the Naval Co-operation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) and follow established reporting procedures, while noting that such coordination remains voluntary.

The maritime body added that vessels may use the southern route without prior coordination and that no authority is currently regulating passage or imposing transit fees for ships using the corridor.