News
Building on the agreement between the United States and Iran and news of “constructive talks” with reports of “encouraging progress,” the International Maritime Organization (IMO), working with Oman, has announced the start of an evacuation plan for shipping trapped in the Persian Gulf region. Oman will be taking the lead with the IMO monitoring and providing daily updates on the number of vessels departing the region.
Oman, in its official notice, highlights the need for a “gradual and controlled evacuation of vessel traffic.” It notes that there are two lanes available to the north and the south while reiterating that the normal traffic separation scheme is not safe. Because shipping is moving through a temporary maritime corridor, Oman warns of an elevated risk of collisions. It notes that the lanes are confined and require monitoring to ensure security.
“We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, while also highlighting the confirmed deaths of 14 innocent seafarers during the conflict. “We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations.” Dominguez referred to it as a “large-scale operation,” while the Omanis said it will be conducted in a phased approach based on groups of vessels. They will be contacting the vessels in the designated groups and allocating a transit day.
