IMO Lays Out Detailed Evacuation Plan for Strait of Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has released specific operational guidelines for evacuating personnel from the Strait of Hormuz area. Under this coordinated plan, more than 11,000 seafarers currently stranded on various vessels in the Gulf region will be safely repatriated in a phased manner.

Primary Order: All Ships Must Hold Position

A key directive in the IMO document is the requirement for all vessels awaiting evacuation to remain at their current locations. Ships are not to proceed independently toward the Strait of Hormuz or any designated holding areas and must await further official notification.

The IMO stresses that this measure is intended to prevent severe congestion in the shipping lanes. The narrow and busy Strait presents heightened risks of collision during uncoordinated movements. Additionally, the presence of sea mines and complex navigational hazards makes a controlled, orderly process essential for overall safety.

The Coordination Process

The evacuation operation will be managed through a coordinated mechanism led by two key entities:

  • The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
  • The French-led Maritime Information Cooperation & Awareness (MICA) Centre

These agencies will establish direct communication with the affected vessels. They will issue instructions, ship by ship, directing them to proceed to specified waiting zones at sea.

Route Options: Northern or Southern Passage

Once at the holding area and cleared for departure, the master of each vessel will have a choice between two main evacuation routes, based on their own risk assessment:

  • Northern Route: Transit through Iranian territorial waters.
  • Southern Route: Passage via Omani waters and sea areas coordinated by the United States.

This structure provides captains with operational flexibility. They can select the most suitable path based on factors like the vessel's draft, technical condition, supplies, and their evaluation of the regional security situation, all within the framework of a managed operation.