SHANGHAI, China — The United Nations maritime agency has begun a large-scale operation to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following months of conflict-related disruption that severely affected one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
The move follows a peace agreement between the United States and Iran and the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at restoring safe navigation through the strategic waterway.
The International Maritime Organization said between 500 and 600 commercial vessels will participate in the operation, which is expected to gradually restore shipping traffic to normal levels. Before the crisis, approximately 130 vessels transited the Strait daily. In recent days, that figure had dropped to between 20 and 30 ships due to security concerns.
According to the agency, maritime teams have already begun contacting ship operators and captains to coordinate the evacuation process. The operation is designed to allow vessels currently trapped in Gulf waters to leave safely under closely managed transit arrangements.
To facilitate the movement of ships, the IMO has designated two temporary navigation corridors. One route runs closer to Iran’s coastline, while the second passes through waters controlled by Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
The agency cautioned shipmasters against attempting independent departures, citing ongoing risks from sea mines, military activity and degraded navigation conditions.
“Do not move. Wait to be contacted. Strictly follow instructions issued by relevant coastal States,” the IMO advised in an operational communication to shipping companies.
Each vessel will be assigned a transit group and allocated a specific departure schedule as authorities coordinate safe passage through the waterway.
The disruption has had significant economic implications, contributing to volatility in global energy markets and raising concerns about supply chains, particularly in developing economies that depend heavily on maritime trade.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the breakthrough, describing the peace agreement as a major step toward restoring maritime security.
“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran,” he said.
The human cost of the crisis has also been substantial. The IMO reported that 14 seafarers have been killed in attacks on commercial shipping since hostilities escalated.
Among those affected was Filipino Third Officer Clarisse Bangga, who was evacuated earlier this month. She described the psychological strain faced by crews trapped in the conflict zone.
“You don’t know when the war will end; you don’t know when the vessel can safely pass the Strait,” Bangga said. “Every day, there are missile attacks, drone attacks and alerts. You really don’t know what will happen.”
She noted that regular emergency drills and adherence to safety procedures helped crews cope with the uncertainty, but stressed that the emotional burden remained immense.
The evacuation operation is expected to continue over the coming days as authorities seek to restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that handles a significant share of global oil and commercial shipping flows.