SCG bulk carrier clears Strait of Hormuz

One of two vessels belonging to SET-listed Siam Cement Group has left the Strait of Hormuz, following Thailand’s diplomatic engagement with Oman and Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday. 

The development comes after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow paid an official visit to Oman from April 15-17 to strengthen bilateral ties and seek the Gulf state’s assistance in coordinating with Iran over the safe passage of nine Thai vessels still awaiting transit through the strategically vital waterway.

The ministry said it had been informed by the management of SCG, Thailand’s largest cement maker and industrial conglomerate, that one of the company’s two vessels, for which Thailand had earlier sought Iran’s cooperation, had now departed the strait.

The ministry said it would continue to monitor the vessel’s journey and provide further updates once it arrives in Thailand, as well as updates on assistance for the remaining Thai ships still unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Neither the ministry nor the company released details of the ship or its cargo.