What is the IMO's role in the evacuation of stranded vessels and seafarers in the Middle East, and which countries are involved?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has secured safety guarantees to evacuate more than 11,000 stranded seafarers in the Middle East, coordinating the operation with Iran, Oman, all other regional coastal states, the US, and the broader maritime industry. Shippers may transit the Strait of Hormuz via Iranian or Omani-and US-coordinated waters as part of this broader evacuation plan.

What instructions have shipmasters received regarding movement during the evacuation process?

The IMO has instructed shipmasters to 'not move' but to 'wait to be contacted' by coordinating agencies; once contacted, vessels will receive instructions to proceed to a designated waiting area and prepare for routing.

Iran and Oman to Coordinate Evacuations Through Hormuz, IMO Says

Jun 24, 2026

The International Maritime Organization announced that Iran and Oman will coordinate vessel evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz to rescue stranded seafarers. Millions of barrels of oil continue to transit the region despite ongoing maritime security concerns.

bloomberg

2026-06-24

Iran and Oman to Coordinate Evacuations Through Hormuz, IMO Says

Iran and Oman to Coordinate Evacuations Through Hormuz, IMO Says

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