Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has begun a mass evacuation of seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, involving 500 to 600 commercial ships. This operation follows a Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between Iran and the United States to end their maritime conflict, which began after Israeli-US bombing of Iran on 28 February and caused significant disruption to shipping and security risks, including sea-mine threats.
The IMO has secured necessary safety guarantees and verified safe navigation, establishing two temporary sea lanes: a Northern route near the Iranian coastline and a Southern route through the waters of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Responsibility for navigation safety in these waters rests with Iran and Oman, respectively. Vessels may still be halted at any time for safety, security, or naval deconfliction purposes.
Shipmasters have been advised to await direct contact and follow instructions from relevant coastal states. Each vessel is assigned to a transit group and specific departure day to reduce risks from mines and degraded navigation. The evacuation aims to restore shipping in the Strait to pre-war levels of about 130 transits per day, up from the current twenties and thirties.
Since the conflict's escalation, 14 seafarers have been killed in attacks on shipping. The ongoing evacuation and security agreement mark a significant step towards restoring maritime security and alleviating hardships faced by seafarers and the global trade impact from the shipping freeze in this key waterway.