Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have opened an alternative maritime route to evacuate hundreds of vessels and more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf following months of disruption caused by the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The operation follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States and is aimed at restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes, the Sultanate of Oman said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports.
"The Sultanate of Oman based on its responsibilities toward the Strait of Hormuz, and its importance to the global economy, and in accordance to its continued commitment to the international law and the law of the sea to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait without imposing any tolls, in line with the outcomes and efforts reached by the United States and Islamic Republic of Iran," the ministry said.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation plan would be carried out in coordination with Oman, Iran, the United States and other coastal states in the region after the necessary safety guarantees had been secured.
“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,” Dominguez said.
He added that the IMO would begin implementing the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region.
“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” Dominguez said.
By Sabina Mammadli
