The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss shipping amid the Middle East war, as concerns rise over the fate of thousands of trapped vessels and seafarers.
London-based UN agency convenes emergency talks
The London-based UN agency responsible for international shipping safety will consider possible resolutions during the two-day session at its headquarters. The IMO’s 40-member council may vote on Thursday on proposals, including creating a safe maritime corridor to allow trapped ships and crews in the Persian Gulf to evacuate safely. Even if approved, the resolutions would not be legally binding.
Growing shipping disruptions near Strait of Hormuz
The meeting, open to all 176 member states and numerous NGOs and maritime industry bodies, comes as Iranian reprisals against Israeli-American strikes paralyse commercial shipping in or near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian blockade of this crucial passage, through which about one-fifth of global crude oil and LNG flows, has driven up oil prices and disrupted markets. Around 20,000 seafarers are trapped on roughly 3,200 vessels west of the Strait, according to the IMO.
At least 21 vessels have been struck, targeted, or reported attacks since the conflict began, based on UKMTO, IMO, Iraqi and Iranian data compiled by AFP. The UAE reported more than 18 commercial ships of various nationalities hit by missiles, drones, or naval mines. At least eight seafarers are confirmed dead, with four missing.
Calls for international condemnation of Iran
The UK, France, Germany, and several Gulf states urged the IMO council to adopt a statement condemning Iran’s attacks on neighbouring nations, including threats and assaults on commercial ships, seafarers, and non-military maritime infrastructure. They also requested condemnation of Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, a member of the IMO but not its council, blamed the deterioration in maritime security on Israeli and US attacks, calling the shipping disruptions a direct consequence of these actions.
Safe evacuation framework urged by member states
Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the UAE called on the IMO to establish a framework allowing safe evacuation of trapped ships and crews, facilitating movement from high-risk areas to secure locations while avoiding military attacks.
Maritime industry groups emphasised the need for coordinated international safety measures, highlighting the welfare of seafarers. They called for ensured communication with home countries, smooth crew changes, adequate supplies, and other protections for seafarers.
Also read: Hormuz tensions deepen US-EU divide
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