IMO outlines Hormuz transit routes for stranded vessel evacuation

Investing.com -- The International Maritime Organization has outlined transit options through the Strait of Hormuz for vessel evacuation, allowing ships to pass through either Iranian waters or Omani and US-coordinated waters as part of an operation to evacuate stranded vessels.

The shipping regulator said this week it secured safety guarantees to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Middle East. The operation involves cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the US and the maritime industry.

The IMO instructed shipmasters not to move independently but to wait for contact from coordinating agencies. Vessels will receive instructions to proceed to a waiting area and prepare for routing. Ships can select their preferred route and must coordinate with relevant coastal authorities for safe navigation. Iran and Oman will manage traffic flow to prevent collisions.

Ships have begun exiting Hormuz in recent days, with millions of barrels of oil passing through the waterway. The Joint Maritime Information Center warned that Iran continues to harass vessels through hailing and surveillance.

Iran and Oman said they will begin negotiations on a future administration agreement for the waterway, including transit management costs. Oman emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait without imposing transit fees in a post on social media platform X.

You May Also Be Interested In

• United States Oil Fund (USO) call put ratio 1.2 calls to 1 put amid crude oil at $89
• Increasing unusual option volume: IMAX TEL AVTR GDS ICLN ACI LXU MDY TRDX
• Wells Fargo Downgrades Rollins (ROL) to Underweight