Oman and UN Set Up Corridor for Stranded Ships in Strait of Hormuz
Oman Opens Free Strait of Hormuz Transit Corridor to Restore Safe Shipping
Oman has established a temporary shipping transit corridor in the strategic Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the country announced on Wednesday. The initiative aims to facilitate the safe passage of vessels without imposing any tolls, marking a significant step toward restoring normalcy in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
The move comes as the IMO works to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors currently stranded in the Gulf following weeks of conflict involving US and Israeli strikes against Iran. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, creating the conditions for this humanitarian and logistical operation to proceed.
Ensuring Freedom of Navigation
According to the Omani Maritime Security Centre, the primary goal of opening the corridor is to ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway and support the global economy. Under the new arrangement, vessels wishing to transit through the designated zone must coordinate directly with the IMO. The route is defined by specific coordinates issued jointly by the IMO and Omani authorities.
“Ships wishing to transit through the corridor must co-ordinate with the IMO,” the statement read. It further confirmed that Oman would allow vessels to pass “without imposing any tolls,” citing a prior agreement related to the peace process.
This initiative aligns with the initial framework for further peace talks signed by the US and Iran on June 17. That pact included provisions for lifting blockades previously imposed during the war, which saw the American navy intercept ships using Iranian ports in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the waterway.
Diplomatic Momentum
The announcement follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at stabilizing the region. On Wednesday, Oman’s Sultan Haitham held talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman to discuss the US-Iran negotiations and recent developments in efforts to end the war and reach a final settlement. During the meeting, the Sultan emphasized the need to advance these efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.
Prior to this, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Muscat to meet with Sultan Haitham. In a subsequent joint statement, Oman and Iran pledged to establish a joint working group to manage the future navigation arrangements of the strait.
“The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the two coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, affirm their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law,” the statement read.
Both nations emphasized their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their respective territorial waters while agreeing to continue dialogue regarding future services and associated costs in line with international standards.
Economic Significance
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for energy exports from the Arabian Gulf. Before the outbreak of war between the US and Iran on February 28, more than 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas and crude oil passed through the waterway each day. The establishment of this corridor is seen as a critical measure to mitigate ongoing disruptions to global supply chains.
With the temporary corridor now active and diplomatic channels remaining open between Oman, Iran, the US, and regional partners, there is cautious optimism that maritime traffic can resume its normal flow while long-term management agreements are finalized.