The United Nations’ shipping agency has confirmed that vessels have begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz under a newly launched evacuation scheme, marking the first operational progress in efforts to clear the chokepoint of stranded traffic.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated that ships are already sailing through the strait as part of the coordinated effort.
This development follows the initiation of a large-scale operation designed to clear hundreds of vessels and approximately 11,000 seafarers who have been stuck in the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The move represents a tangible shift from the previous state of shipping paralysis, where commercial traffic was effectively halted.
The evacuation plan is reportedly backed by both Iran and the United States, suggesting a temporary diplomatic alignment to restore basic maritime flow and address the humanitarian crisis facing crews stranded at sea.
For energy markets, the resumption of transit, even if limited to evacuation traffic, reduces the immediate risk of a total supply cutoff.