March 18, New Delhi — The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is scheduled to hold an extraordinary session in London to address growing concerns over global shipping disruptions amid the West Asia conflict.
The meeting comes as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify, raising fears for thousands of stranded ships and seafarers.
The IMO’s 40-member council will meet over two days to discuss safety measures and possible resolutions to address the crisis.
One key proposal includes creating a safe maritime corridor to evacuate stranded ships and seafarers from the Persian Gulf.
The conflict has severely disrupted commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that handles nearly a fifth of global crude oil and LNG supplies, pushing up oil prices and unsettling markets.
According to the IMO, around 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded on more than 3,000 vessels in the region, with multiple ships reported hit or targeted since the conflict began.
Reports indicate that over 18 merchant vessels have been struck by missiles, drones, or sea mines, with casualties among seafarers, highlighting the escalating risks to maritime safety.
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