GULF REGION UPDATE
Please find below the latest update from the ICS.
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GULF REGION UPDATE
Following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by the US president on Thursday 17 June 2026, it is important to recognise that significant uncertainties remain with respect to safe navigation in the Gulf Region. Members will recall that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), under the instruction of its council, is working hard to establish an orderly evacuation procedure for the ships currently trapped in the Gulf as a result of the recent conflict. It is anticipated that further information will be provided by IMO on the mechanism for the evacuation plan. ICS is in close liaison with the Organization and will advise members as soon as further details are provided.
It should be noted that the signing of the MOU does not mean an immediate return to freedom of navigation, and that caution should be exercised in all operations in the Gulf region particularly with respect to transits. In particular, it should be noted that the mine threat in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) remains, and that this will take time to clear. ICS in close liaison with naval forces committed to demining and will provide further information on the mine threat as and when it becomes available. Due to this threat the northern route along the Iranian coast, and the Omani Route overseen by the US Navy remain the two passageways into and out of the Persian Gulf.
It is strongly recommended that any transits in the region are thoroughly threat and risk assessed, and that priority is given to navigational safety and best practice, taking into account the Industry Guidance on the Safe Management of Vessel Transit through the Strait of Hormuz in conjunction of BMP Maritime Security, both of which may be found at www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org. It is also strongly recommended that ships register with and report to UKMTO and MSCIO to ensure that they are fully aware of any security incidents or advisories. Finally, it is noted that article 5 of the MOU specifies that vessels will not be charged for transits during the next 60 days. As such, members are requested to advise the undersigned of any demands that may be made for remittance by coastal states for ships sailing in the region.
It should be noted that the situation is changeable, and further information is expected in the coming days with respect to the coordination of safe passage. Members are assured that ICS is working closely IMO, industry partners and navies, and will provide updates on the situation as and when they become available.