Reference is made to recent developments in the Middle East following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. On 3 May 2026, the United States announced the launch of “Project Freedom”, an initiative aimed at opening up the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing regional tensions.
These measures will commence on Monday 4 May 2026, and rely on US-coordinated guidance to assist neutral-flagged commercial ships to safely exit the restricted waters. The operation focuses on civilian vessels and does not currently include direct US Navy warship escorts. It is expected to involve coordination with flag states, insurers, and shipping organisations. It is unclear what the position of Iran will be or whether this will materially affect the current level of risk during transit.
Members operating in or near the region are advised to closely monitor the situation. While this initiative may provide relief for trapped vessels and gradually improve access to the Gulf, risks to shipping in the area remain elevated. We recommend that members:
- Maintain close contact with their vessels and operators in the region
- Conduct thorough risk assessments before planning new transits
- Ensure adequate insurance coverage and compliance with all applicable sanctions and restrictions
- Keep detailed records of communications and due diligence
For further information or specific advice regarding vessels potentially affected by developments in the Middle East, please contact our Claims team at claims@nnpc-marine.com.
