Middle East
Information related to shipping and seafarers - Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East.
The ongoing instability in the Middle East creates a rapidly evolving situation for global shipping. IMO is closely monitoring developments to protect thousands of seafarers in the region, including those stranded on vessels unable to exit the Strait of Hormuz.
This page provides data updates, official statements, regional contacts, incident list and guidance from IMO and partner organizations.
Media queries should be sent to media@imo.org
Incidents data
Data on attacks to commercial ships in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman regions are compiled by IMO following a rigorous validation process including Flag States, coastal States, and credible, verified third-party sources.
List of confirmed incidents (updated 3 November)
Latest IMO updates
Stop attacking merchant ships and seafarers: IMO Secretary-General to Member States (16 September)
Six months of uncertainty for seafarers in Strait of Hormuz (28 August)
Seafarers
IMO is deeply concerned about the wellbeing and safety of seafarers affected by the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of seafarers, as well as port workers and offshore crews, are impacted in the region. While the disruption to global trade is significant, IMO’s primary concern remains the humanitarian and safety implications for seafarers on board ships operating in the area.
Testimonies from seafarers affected by conflicts
IMO safe evacuation framework
Following the IMO Council's call (C.ES.2, 18-19 March) for the establishment of a safe maritime framework as a provisional and urgent measure to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships confined within the Gulf region, IMO developed a voluntary evacuation mechanism in line with international law. This evacuation plan is currently paused. For further details, see the Operational FAQs – IMO Strait of Hormuz Evacuation Plan.
Communications from Member States
Communications received and circulated by IMO can be found on IMODOCS under "Circular Letters" (register as a public user to access). Available in the six official languages.
IMO Secretary-General statements
Latest IMO Secretary-General statement: Stop attacking merchant ships and seafarers: IMO Secretary-General to Member States (16 September)
See all IMO Secretary-General statements.
Strait of Hormuz - shipping route
The existing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Strait of Hormuz was proposed by Iran and Oman and adopted by IMO in 1968. It designates shipping lanes for maritime traffic in order to reduce collisions and improve safety.
 Traffic Separation Scheme in the Strait of Hormuz, IMO Ships’ Routeing publication |
Read more on ships routeing
Read more on Safety of straits used for international navigation - FAQs
Resources and links
Non-exhaustive resources and links
Updates from UN Security Council
Impact on shipping and trade
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions (UNCTAD) (8 September 2026)
In Focus: FAO response to global food security challenges - Middle East Conflict in 2026 (FAO)
International Energy Agency (IEA) - The Middle East and Global Energy Markets
Warnings and advisories
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) - Latest incidents
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) - Advisories
Download Best Management Practices (BMP) Maritime Security (2025)
Industry guidance and statements
INTERCARGO - Advice for Members regarding situation in Strait of Hormuz and Middle East
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) - Latest news from the ITF on the Strait of Hormuz
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) - Warlike and high risk areas (Applicable benefits for seafarers, latest list from the International Bargaining Forum (IBF))