IMO Launches Plan to Evacuate Over 11,000 Seafarers Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has just announced the rollout of an operation to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz region after months of being caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical tensions and maritime disruptions. This move comes immediately after the United States and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, paving the way for a phased restoration of shipping operations in one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints.

Multilateral Cooperation Efforts

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, stated that the evacuation campaign will be deployed through close coordination between Iran, Oman, regional littoral states, the US, and international maritime organizations and businesses.

Commenting on the latest developments, Dominguez noted: "After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran."

The IMO Secretary-General also extended his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the 14 seafarers who lost their lives during the conflict in the region.

Evacuation Roadmap and Restoring Maritime Security

According to the IMO, the evacuation operation will commence as soon as the organization finalizes the verification of maritime safety conditions and receives the necessary assurances from all involved parties regarding the protection of vessels and crew during transit.

The IMO highlighted that this operation aims not only to ensure the safe repatriation of the seafarers but also to facilitate the re-establishment of maritime security and the revival of international trade flows, both of which have been severely severely hit over recent months.

Reaffirming the organization's commitment, Dominguez emphasized: "We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade."

According to the IMO, restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a vital step toward easing pressures on international supply chains, particularly at a time when multiple shipping lanes continue to reel from prolonged geopolitical crises.

Outlooks for Shipping Operations in Hormuz

The IMO's announcement comes on the heels of the US and Iran signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in which both nations agreed on a roadmap toward normalizing shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry experts suggest that reopening this maritime corridor will alleviate pressure on the freight market, support global supply chain stabilization, and allow ocean carriers to progressively reinstate their operational schedules in the Gulf region.

However, the timeline for a full recovery will still hinge on several factors, including mine clearance operations, ongoing maritime security guarantees, and the ability of all parties to maintain their commitments moving forward.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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