The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a large-scale operation to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers who remain stranded in the Persian Gulf following months of disruption caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez announced the initiative after last week’s U.S.-Iran peace agreement, describing it as a major step toward restoring maritime security in the region.
The evacuation will be carried out in cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states, the United States, and maritime industry stakeholders. According to the IMO, the operation aims to safely return thousands of seafarers who have spent months trapped in the region due to attacks on commercial shipping, mine threats, and restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the height of the crisis, an estimated 20,000 seafarers aboard approximately 3,200 vessels were unable to safely leave the Gulf.
The evacuation plan will follow a phased departure system coordinated by the IMO and regional authorities. Vessels will be assigned to specific departure groups and guided through temporary transit corridors established in the Strait of Hormuz.
Current safety assessments indicate that the existing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is not yet considered safe for normal operations. Instead, ships will use temporary northern and southern routes through the strait while authorities continue to manage security risks.
Under the plan, vessels will be contacted individually regarding departure schedules and directed to designated waiting areas before receiving transit instructions from coastal authorities. Ships will also be required to maintain AIS transmissions and follow navigation guidance issued by relevant authorities.
The operation comes despite ongoing security concerns in the region. Mine threats remain a key issue, and vessel movements may still be temporarily suspended if required for safety or military deconfliction purposes.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed it is supporting the IMO-led effort and said shipowners and masters will retain responsibility for final decisions regarding routing and vessel movements.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have announced plans to establish a joint working group to discuss the future management of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, including maritime services and potential administrative arrangements.
For now, the IMO says its immediate priority is ensuring the safe evacuation of seafarers who have remained in the Gulf throughout nearly four months of heightened regional tensions.
