Project Freedom stalls as Hormuz crisis leaves 1,600 ships stranded

Project Freedom, Washington’s bid to shepherd ships through the Strait of Hormuz, lasted 48 hours and moved only two vessels. About 1,600 ships remain trapped as ongoing fighting and high insurance risk deter transit; Maersk confirmed one outbound, but most lines remain cautious about sailing through the strait without a durable peace. The IMO warns naval escorts are not a sustainable long‑term solution, and costly insurance constraints amplify the risk. With the US and Iran edging toward ending the war and Iran creating a Persian Gulf Strait Authority to regulate passage (a move the US disputes), shippers face uncertain, expensive prospects and are waiting for real safety guarantees before resuming regular transit.)