Members are invited to note the Notice to Mariners (NTM) issued by Oman on 23 June 2026 which announces the opening of a temporary maritime transit corridor through Omani waters in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provided at Annex A. The notice describes the coordinates of the corridor, and arrangements by which ships will be contacted to advise them that their transit is an option, as well as measures to be followed. The NTM stresses that the decision to use the corridor remains at the discretion of the company and master.

It is hoped that the opening of the corridor will increase the opportunities for safe transits out of the Persian Gulf in the immediate term, in line with the agreement reached at the IMO’s extraordinary Council session (18-19 March 2026) and that this in turn will facilitate a phased return to normality and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf region. However, it should also be noted that questions exist as to how the programme will work in practice, and in particular how it will be coordinated with, or be deconflicted from, transits conducted under the oversight of US Navy NCAGS, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the warring parties on Wednesday 17 June, which has resulted in a marked increase in transits through the southern route.

Noting the above, members are assured that ICS will continue to work with IMO and other relevant partners to ensure that clarity is gained on the implementation of the IMO programme at the earliest possible time, as well as any other associated or planned measures in the Gulf Region. Members are invited to provide any questions, or experience gained by ships and companies using the programme, to John Stawpert at (john.stawpert@ics-shipping.org) copied to Julia.D’Eletto (julia.deletto@ics-shipping.org). Further information will be provided as soon as it is available.