The International Maritime Organization (IMO) proposed a safe corridor in the Gulf to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The proposal was submitted by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates and backed by the United States.
Key Takeaways
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) proposed a safe corridor in the Gulf to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The proposal was submitted by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates and backed by the United States.
- IMO proposes safe corridor for 20,000 stranded seafarers in Gulf
- Conflict has led hundreds of vessels to drop anchor after Tehran threatened attacks via Strait of Hormuz
- At least eight seafarers or dock workers have been killed since conflict began
- Naval escorts not guaranteed to ensure safe passage through the strait
The conflict has led hundreds of vessels to drop anchor after Tehran threatened to attack ships attempting to leave via the Strait of Hormuz. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reported that at least eight seafarers or dock workers have been killed, emphasizing that seafarers must not become victims of broader geopolitical tensions.
Dominguez warned that naval escorts would not guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and could even present a target for Iran. He stressed that de-escalation is the only sustainable way to restore shipping flow. The IMO council's emergency meeting continues with representatives from Iran and Israel present as observers.
The conflict has impacted global oil and gas supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz carrying around a fifth of the world's oil. Shipping in the Gulf has come to a near-standstill since U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran began on February 28. Dominguez called on flag states to avoid unnecessary risks by sailing west of the strait.
Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to 'Iran's enemies.' Ali Mousavi, Iran's representative to the U.N. maritime agency, said Tehran would continue cooperating with the IMO to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf.
Two Chinese container ships attempted to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Friday but turned back despite assurances from Iran that Chinese vessels could pass. The incident highlighted that safe passage through the strait cannot be guaranteed, according to Kpler analyst Rebecca Gerdes. Iranian state media reported that three container ships were turned back after warnings from the Revolutionary Guards' naval force.
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