UN: Evacuation plan through Hormuz for ships stranded in Gulf

The United Nations has announced the initiation of an evacuation operation aimed at helping hundreds of ships carrying approximately 11,000 mariners who have been stranded in the Persian Gulf. This effort comes after a recent agreement between Iran and the United States to halt hostilities, which has created a window of opportunity for the safe passage of vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The operation, coordinated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), involves close collaboration with several regional countries, including Oman, as well as international maritime industry stakeholders.

According to reports from the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), the IMO has begun contacting vessels to start the evacuation process. A spokesperson for the organization stated that they have ensured necessary security guarantees and verified conditions for safe navigation. The operation is described as extensive, requiring coordination among multiple nations and entities. The head of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, emphasized that the evacuation will take place in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States, and the maritime industry.

Oman’s Ministry of Defense issued its own statement, indicating that the evacuation process would proceed in phases. It noted that due to increased risks of collisions in the current environment, a gradual and controlled evacuation of maritime traffic was necessary. The ministry also mentioned that the so-called separate shipping route scheme, which had been under discussion for months, is currently not secure. As a result, two temporary routes—northern and southern—are being considered for use during the evacuation.

Each vessel will be contacted individually and informed of their designated transit day, with coordination facilitated by the IMO. The scheme, originally established in 1968, outlines routes through Iranian and Omani waters into the strait. However, the presence of drifting mines remains one of the primary dangers in the waters surrounding Hormuz, highlighting the complexity and risk associated with this operation.

The situation in the Persian Gulf has been tense for some time, with ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States. These tensions have led to disruptions in maritime traffic and posed significant safety concerns for commercial vessels operating in the region. The recent agreement to cease hostilities has provided a critical opportunity to address these issues and ensure the safe movement of ships through the vital waterway.

The evacuation operation represents a significant logistical challenge, given the number of vessels involved and the need to coordinate efforts across multiple jurisdictions. The involvement of international organizations such as the IMO underscores the global importance of maintaining open sea lanes and ensuring the safety of maritime trade. Additionally, the participation of regional actors like Oman highlights the role of local governments in facilitating such large-scale operations.

Looking ahead, the success of the evacuation will depend on the continued cooperation between all parties involved, as well as the ability to manage the inherent risks associated with navigating the area. While the immediate focus is on safely removing the stranded vessels, the long-term implications of this operation could influence future policies regarding maritime security and international cooperation in times of crisis. As the operation unfolds, the world will be watching to see how effectively these collaborative efforts can mitigate the challenges posed by the complex geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf.