Muscat: In a move underscoring its longstanding commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation, the Sultanate of Oman, in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has announced the provision of a temporary maritime transit corridor in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The initiative reflects Oman’s responsibilities toward one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, through which a significant share of global energy supplies and commercial goods pass daily, and reaffirms its adherence to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The arrangement has been developed in line with continued international efforts to maintain stability in the waterway, including understandings reached through relevant regional and international engagements involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Under the new coordination framework, vessels transiting the Strait will be offered the option to use a designated temporary maritime corridor, with coordinates announced by the IMO and Omani authorities. Ships opting to utilise the corridor are required to coordinate in advance with the IMO to ensure safe and orderly passage.
Omani authorities emphasised that the measure is designed to enhance navigational safety and facilitate uninterrupted maritime traffic in one of the world’s most sensitive and heavily used sea routes, without the imposition of tolls or restrictions on freedom of navigation.
Meanwhile, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez issued this statement:
“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping.
I want to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this conflict. Their dedication in service of global trade will not be forgotten.
We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.
We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations.
We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade.”
