US EditionAs Iran War Spreads, a UN Shipping Agency Is Searching for Ways to Keep Commercial Crews Safe
The IMO's emergency session addresses an Iranian blockade disrupting 20,000 seafarers and 3,200 vessels, with proposals for a safe maritime corridor and seafarer evacuation.
- The International Maritime Organisation began an 'extraordinary session' in London on Wednesday to address shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where an effective Iranian blockade has stranded approximately 3,200 vessels.
- Iran's retaliation to Israeli-US strikes crippled commercial shipping, leaving around 20,000 seafarers stranded west of the Strait. This blockade has spiked oil prices and disrupted global trade routes.
- At least 21 ships have been targeted since the conflict began, according to an AFP tally. A United Arab Emirates submission on Monday noted 'more than 18 merchant ships of various nationalities have been hit by projectiles, missiles, drone boats and sea mines.'
- The IMO's 40-member council could vote Thursday on resolutions to 'establish a safe maritime corridor to allow the safe evacuation of seafarers and ships stranded in the Persian Gulf.' IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called the situation 'unacceptable and unsustainable.'
- Maritime industry bodies demand a 'coordinated international approach to security,' emphasizing that 'seafarer welfare must be taken into account.' Meanwhile, Iran blames the 'current deterioration of the maritime security environment' on Israeli-US actions.
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Emergency maritime meeting called over Strait of Hormuz | Morning News Bulletin 19 March 2026
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Iran condemned as UN maritime body holds emergency talks on Mideast shipping
Gulf states and Western nations strongly criticised Iran at an emergency meeting Wednesday of the UN's maritime body, convened amid growing fears for thousands of stranded ships and seafarers.
As Iran war spreads, a UN shipping agency is searching for ways to keep commercial crews safe
Delegates from dozens of countries convened for an emergency meeting at the International Maritime Organization in central London Wednesday, as they search for solutions to protect shipping amid a spreading war in the Middle East.The IMO is a UN agency. Representatives from all sides of the conflict are in the room. There are delegations from Israel, the U.S., Iran and many others.This week the IMO was focused on trying to ensure the safety and …
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