Pratik Bijlani – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing a humanitarian evacuation plan for thousands of seafarers stranded aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, as tensions linked to the ongoing Iran–US conflict continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. Speaking on the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez confirmed that around 20,000 seafarers on approximately 1,600 vessels are currently affected.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively come to a standstill following Iran’s closure of the waterway amid escalating hostilities and a US-led blockade targeting Iranian ports. Normally handling about 120 vessel transits daily, the strait has seen traffic reduced to minimal levels, leaving hundreds of ships anchored and crews stranded in uncertain and potentially hazardous conditions.
The IMO’s proposed plan prioritizes the safe evacuation of seafarers rather than cargo, with Dominguez emphasizing that “this is about the people.” The evacuation would involve a phased departure of vessels based on factors such as crew endurance and time spent in the region. Any movement, however, is contingent on clear de-escalation, absence of active threats, and confirmation that the route is free from hazards such as naval mines.
The agency is also coordinating with regional stakeholders to ensure that the established Traffic Separation Scheme—originally adopted in 1968 by Iran and Oman—can be safely reinstated once conditions permit. Despite isolated vessel movements reported in recent days, uncertainty remains high, with both geopolitical tensions and the impending expiry of a fragile ceasefire complicating prospects for a swift resolution.
As negotiations remain stalled, the maritime industry continues to watch closely, with seafarer safety at the forefront of global concern.
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