On March 19, 2026, following an extraordinary session of its governing council in London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) encouraged member states to work towards establishing a framework such as a safe maritime corridor to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships and protect approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
The call stems from a joint proposal submitted by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), backed by the United States. The non-binding resolution, adopted during the 36th extraordinary session, condemns Iran’s threats, attacks on vessels, and purported closure/interference with the Strait of Hormuz. It demands Iran immediately refrain from actions obstructing international navigation and emphasizes seafarer welfare as paramount. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the situation as “unacceptable and unsustainable,” noting at least seven seafarers killed in incidents since the conflict escalated, and urged de-escalation to prevent civilian mariners from becoming victims of geopolitical tensions.
The proposed corridor aims to enable trapped vessels, hundreds anchored or waiting near the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman to exit high-risk areas safely, avoiding military attacks, mines, drones, or other threats. It draws parallels to previous frameworks like Black Sea safe corridors during regional conflicts. The IMO reported 17+ vessel incidents (including 13+ confirmed attacks) since late February/early March 2026, contributing to a near-total operational halt through the chokepoint despite legal openness.
Authority responses include strong support from the UAE (welcoming the condemnation and corridor framework), the U.S. (urging global partners to reopen the strait), and industry bodies like BIMCO calling for coordinated security while prioritizing crew welfare. Naval escorts are not seen as a guaranteed or sustainable solution, per Dominguez. The IMO’s measures remain advisory and non-binding, requiring implementation by flag states, coastal nations, and naval forces.
Shipping impact is severe: traffic through Hormuz has dropped sharply (down ~90% from normal 60–100 vessels/day), stranding tankers, LPG carriers, containerships, and bulkers with crews facing prolonged deployments, limited rest, and heightened risks. Operators apply war risk premiums, cargo exclusions, emergency surcharges, and reroute via longer paths (adding 10–14 days and costs). Bunker prices surge, freight volatility increases, and alternative hubs like Fujairah face congestion or partial halts from related incidents.
This development highlights critical vulnerabilities in global energy and trade routes, where the Strait handles ~20% of world oil and major LNG volumes. Prolonged disruption exacerbates fuel shortages, delays, and cost pressures across tanker, gas, and container sectors, underscoring the need for urgent diplomatic and operational solutions to restore safe passage in one of the world’s most vital waterways.