The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its escort operation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz after a ship reported coming under attack, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and the fragile ceasefire framework linked to the Iran conflict.
Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine said one of its vessels, the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, was struck by an “unknown object” near Oman while sailing along a route advised by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Two US officials told Reuters that Iran had fired on the vessel, although Iranian authorities denied responsibility and warned that ships not using approved routes would not be guaranteed safe passage through the strait.
Evergreen reported damage to the ship’s bridge windows but confirmed that the crew, vessel and cargo remained safe, adding that the ship had successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz. A security source suggested the vessel may have been targeted by a drone.
The incident prompted the IMO to pause its evacuation support programme for stranded vessels while it reassesses safety assurances in the region.
The IMO had recently launched a voluntary initiative to help hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers leave the Gulf using designated safe corridors under international coordination.
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz maritime authority maintained that vessels travelling outside approved routes would do so at their own risk, placing full responsibility on ship owners and operators.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, handling around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, and has become increasingly volatile since the escalation of conflict in the region.
Oil prices, however, eased on Friday as more tankers managed to exit the waterway, even as concerns persisted over potential further disruptions.
Saudi Arabia has also resumed oil loading at its Ras Tanura terminal following months of disruption, signalling attempts by regional producers to stabilise exports amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, geopolitical pressure continues to mount, with global leaders warning that any escalation in the strait could have far-reaching consequences for energy security and international trade.
