Ships have started navigating the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative by the U.N.’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) aimed at evacuating vessels stranded by ongoing conflict. This plan, months in the making, allows hundreds of ships with approximately 11,000 seafarers to transit the strait. According to an IMO spokesperson, at least two dry bulk ships and one cargo ship have already passed through, with three tankers carrying 5 million barrels of crude oil also exiting the strait.
The IMO’s scheme, initiated following a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, designates two temporary routes for vessels: one through Iranian waters and another coordinated by Oman and the U.S. Ships must await instructions before proceeding to ensure navigational safety. The existing Traffic Separation Scheme, established in 1968, is currently compromised due to mine risks.
Traffic in Hormuz has increased, averaging over 25 ships daily recently, compared to just 10-11 before the conflict escalated. However, this remains significantly lower than the pre-conflict average of 125 ships. The IMO initiative does not facilitate vessels entering the Gulf for oil cargoes, as safety concerns persist amid rising oil tanker rates.
