We refer to our circular of 4 May 2026 regarding the announced “Project Freedom” by the United States. On 3 May 2026, the US announced this initiative to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible to commercial shipping.
The operation began on 4 May 2026 with the escorting of commercial vessels by the US Navy. Limited successes were achieved, including the safe passage of a small number of vessels, supported by air and maritime assets.
However, on 6 May 2026, President Trump announced that “Project Freedom” was being paused after less than 48 hours. The US blockade of Iranian ports remains in force, but active escorting of commercial ships has been temporarily suspended. During the brief operation, Iran responded with attacks involving speedboats, drones, and rockets. Thousands of vessels remain stranded, and access to the Gulf is still severely restricted.
Advice to members:
- Monitor the situation closely via official sources, flag states, and your agents.
- Ensure adequate insurance coverage and full compliance with sanctions.
- Maintain detailed records of all communications and due diligence.
- Avoid the area where possible and consider alternative routes.
For specific advice, please contact our Claims team at claims@nnpc-marine.com. NNPC Marine Insurance continues to monitor developments and will keep you informed of any relevant updates.
