How does the IMO’s 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme shape Hormuz routing?

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The IMO’s 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme set the original Hormuz routing lanes through Iranian and Omani waters, but Oman is now diverting ships to temporary corridors because the existing lanes are deemed unsafe.

The IMO adopted the Strait of Hormuz Traffic Separation Scheme in 1968, and that scheme established routing lanes through Iranian and Omani waters in the strait. In a notice to mariners, Oman said the existing scheme is currently unsafe for use, so vessels departing the region are directed to use temporary routes positioned to the north and south of the existing shipping lanes instead of the 1968 lanes. Oman’s temporary routing is being run under a phased plan developed with the IMO, using grouped vessel departures and designated temporary corridors.
The 1968 scheme defines the baseline lanes through two coastal states
The 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme created routing lanes in the Strait of Hormuz that run through Iranian and Omani waters. This means the “existing shipping lanes” referenced by Oman are the lanes established under that IMO-adopted framework.
Oman has suspended use of the 1968 lanes as unsafe
Oman’s notice to mariners states that the existing Traffic Separation Scheme is currently unsafe for use. As a result, departing vessels are told to avoid the current scheme lanes and instead follow temporary routes located to the north and south of those lanes.
Temporary north and south corridors replace the 1968 lanes for departures
Oman designated two temporary routes—one to the north and one to the south of the existing shipping lanes—to facilitate safe passage for vessels leaving the region. These temporary routes function as the practical routing structure while the existing scheme is not being used.
The IMO-coordinated phased plan controls departures and route assignment
Under a phased plan developed by the IMO in coordination with Omani authorities, vessels are grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when they may depart and which temporary route to follow. Ships are directed to a designated waiting area in international waters before being cleared to proceed, and vessels using Oman’s eastbound route must maintain communications with coastal authorities and comply with navigational instructions.

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How does the IMO’s 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme shape Hormuz routing?

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