ports

IMO Demands Safety Clarity After Containership Struck in Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization suspended evacuation operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a projectile attack on Evergreen's 9,500 teu Ever Lovely. The IMO demanded continued safety assurances for vessels on the evacuation list. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez clarified the vessel was not transiting under the IMO's evacuation framework when struck 6 nautical miles southeast of Oman on a route recommended by UK Maritime Trade Operations. The impact damaged the starboard bridge superstructure. US media attributed the strike to Iranian forces, though Iranian authorities provided no confirmation. However, Iran's navy had warned that vessels using non-designated evacuation corridors would become targets. A corridor through Oman waters exists under IMO coordination. The Ever Lovely remains seaworthy and continues its scheduled route to Singapore's Port Klang alongside sister ships Ever Lotus and Ever Unicorn, which transited unharmed, clearing all Evergreen vessels from the waterway.