“Blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz: The UN Seeks New Security Guarantees for Hundreds of Ships

International shipping is facing a new challenge in one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, as the safety of maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf is once again being called into question. The decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to review the operational framework for the evacuation of ships and crews comes in the wake of the attack on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, heightening concerns about potential new disruptions to maritime trade. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a critical portion of global energy flows passes, remain at the center of geopolitical tension, while hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers await clearer guarantees before resuming their planned voyages.

The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) suspended on Thursday the plan to move hundreds of stranded ships and thousands of seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, following the attack on a ship in the Gulf of Oman.

The necessary security guarantees

“I have been informed of the attack that took place today in the Gulf of Oman on a ship that had passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This particular ship was not part of the IMO evacuation operation,” said the Organization’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez.

“I have decided to temporarily suspend implementation of the plan, in order to reconfirm that the necessary safety guarantees remain in place for the ships included on the evacuation list, as well as for all ships in the area,” he added.

The initiative, which took effect on Tuesday, provided for the safe departure of ships and their crews from the Persian Gulf on a voluntary basis via two routes: one passing through Iranian territorial waters and the other through Omani territorial waters, under the supervision of the United States, according to the IMO.

Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had announced that a merchant ship had been struck by an “unknown projectile” near the coast of Oman.

The attack on a ship

According to the announcement, the incident occurred 7.5 nautical miles southeast of the Dahit region of Oman. The cargo ship was struck on its starboard side, resulting in damage to the hull.

The UKMTO clarified that there were no injuries or environmental impacts resulting from the incident, while urging vessels sailing in the area to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious activity.

Several tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, following a new route promoted by the UN International Maritime Organization. Iran has threatened ships using this route, which runs along the coast of Oman.

Establishing an alternative route through this vital sea lane would ease pressure on the global economy and deprive Iran of its key bargaining chip in the ongoing talks regarding the interim agreement signed last week with the United States.