IMO Reveals Iran-Oman Coordination for Strait of Hormuz Evacuations

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revealed that shipping companies can now transit the Strait of Hormuz through either Iranian or Omani waters, as part of a broader plan to evacuate stranded vessels in the region. These movements are set to be coordinated with the United States. This announcement follows the IMO, the global regulatory authority for the shipping industry, previously stating that it had secured the necessary safety assurances for the evacuation of over 11,000 seafarers currently stranded in the Middle East. The operation will be carried out in cooperation and coordination with Iran, Oman, all other relevant coastal states in the region, alongside the United States, and the broader shipping sector. The process is expected to be lengthy, and the IMO emphasizes the critical need for shipmasters to remain in position and await communication from the coordinating authorities. Subsequently, vessels will receive instructions to proceed to a designated waiting area and prepare to determine their route. While vessels can choose their preferred route, they are required to coordinate with the relevant coastal authorities to ensure safe navigation. In this context, Iran and Oman will jointly manage maritime traffic and ensure the avoidance of any potential collisions.