British vessel transits strait where Iran seized tanker

A large British-flagged vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz and arrived at a port in Qatar on Wednesday in the first such passage made by a British ship of its size since Iran seized a U.K.-flagged tanker last week, according to maritime tracking data.

Maritime publication Lloyd's List identified the vessel as the BW Elm and reported that a British warship, likely the HMS Montrose, closely shadowed the large liquefied petroleum gas carrier but that the Royal Navy did not provide a direct escort.

The Ministry of Defense declined to specifically comment on the transit and referred to recent comments made by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, in which he the confirmed the HMS Montrose has accompanied more than 30 ships over the last ten days through the strait.

Britain this week announced plans to develop and deploy a Europe-led "maritime protection mission" to safeguard shipping in the area.

It comes as Boris Johnson prepares to assume office as prime minister on Wednesday.

One-fifth of global crude passes through the shipping corridor , making it an internationally important chokepoint for global energy supplies from Gulf exporters.

Data on tracking site Marine Traffic showed the commercial BW Elm ship arrived at a port in Qatar early Wednesday after transiting the strait on Tuesday. The U.K. government has advised British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement to the AP, the ship's owner BW LPG declined to comment on specifics, but noted protection by the navy.

"BW LPG is grateful for the UK and international community for their naval presence in the area providing security to merchant vessels transiting through the Straits of Hormuz," the company said, adding that it is operating "at our highest security protocol."
Iran's defense minister, Gen. Amir Hatami, told reporters Wednesday that "if someone claims he should provide evidence," adding that "none of our drones have been intercepted."