IMO Launches Major Seafarer Evacuation Operation in Strait of Hormuz Following US-Iran Peace Agreement
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced the launch of a large-scale evacuation operation for more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant step toward restoring maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors. The development comes after months of disruption that affected global trade flows, commercial shipping operations, and the welfare of thousands of seafarers working across the region.
In an official statement, Dominguez said the peace agreement marks a decisive move toward ending attacks on civilian shipping and improving safety conditions for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international energy and cargo transportation.
The IMO also paid tribute to the fourteen seafarers who lost their lives during the conflict, recognizing their contribution to the movement of global trade under challenging circumstances.
According to the organization, the evacuation plan will be implemented immediately and carried out in close coordination with Iran, Oman, other coastal states in the region, the United States, and key stakeholders from the maritime industry. The operation is expected to become one of the largest coordinated seafarer evacuation efforts undertaken in recent years.
The IMO confirmed that all necessary safety guarantees have been secured and navigation conditions have been thoroughly assessed to ensure safe vessel movements during the evacuation process.
The organization reiterated its commitment to protecting seafarers, maintaining maritime safety, and supporting the uninterrupted flow of global trade through vital shipping lanes. The announcement is expected to bring relief to the international shipping community, which has closely monitored developments in the Strait of Hormuz due to its importance for oil exports, container shipping, and global supply chains.
As maritime traffic gradually returns to normal, industry observers will be watching how the operation impacts regional shipping activity, tanker movements, and international trade routes in the coming weeks.
