Headlines
Countries Propose Safe Corridor to Free 20,000 Seafarers Stranded in Gulf
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 18, 2026
Quick Summary
A joint proposal by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the UAE, supported by the U.S., seeks a “safe maritime corridor” via the IMO to evacuate around 20,000 seafarers stranded in Gulf ports amid escalating threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan seeks to safeguard lives and restore critical s
UN Backs Plan to Free 20,000 Seafarers Stranded by Gulf Conflict
International Response to Gulf Maritime Crisis
By Jonathan Saul
UN Proposal for Safe Maritime Corridor
LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - A proposal from the UN's shipping agency on Wednesday calls for a safe maritime corridor to free some 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf by war in Iran.
Hundreds of vessels have dropped anchor since Tehran threatened to attack ships attempting to leave the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal submitted by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates and backed on Wednesday by the United States called for "a framework such as a safe maritime corridor".
It was submitted at a meeting of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) governing council in London.
Purpose and Aims
"The purpose of this framework would be to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships," it said. "This measure aims to protect the lives of seafarers."
Impact of the Conflict on Seafarers
At least seven merchant sailors have been killed due to the conflict, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told delegates.
"They must not become victims of broader geopolitical tensions," he said, calling for de-escalation to allow the seafarers to leave the Gulf safely.
International Involvement and Security Measures
NATO countries are also looking at what can be done, Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked nations to help police the strait to allow oil tankers and other vessels to pass in and out. The strait normally transports a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.
Iran's Position and Ongoing Developments
Iran said in a separate submission to the IMO that Iranian authorities continued to provide humanitarian assistance and support to seafarers and vessels in the Gulf and strait.
The IMO Council session continues on Thursday.
(Reporting by Jonathan Saul; editing by Jason Neely)
Key Takeaways
- •About 20,000 seafarers (and 15,000 cruise passengers) are stranded in and around Gulf waters due to halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz amid military threats (thenationalnews.com).
- •A safe corridor proposal, presented at an IMO council meeting in London by five countries and backed by the U.S., aims to ensure orderly and secure evacuation of merchant vessels and protect the seafarers’ lives (yahoo.com).
- •Major shipping lines have suspended Hormuz transits, and insurance premiums and war-risk costs have surged, intensifying the economic and operational strain on global trade (maritimenews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Countries propose safe corridor to free 20,000 seafarers stranded in Gulf
1Why are seafarers stranded in the Gulf?
Seafarers are stranded due to threats from Iran against ships leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing conflict.
2What is the proposed safe maritime corridor?
The proposed corridor is a framework to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships and their crews from the Gulf region.
3Which countries support the safe corridor proposal?
Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the UAE submitted the proposal, with support from the United States.
4Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant?
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, transporting a fifth of the world's supply.
5What has the UN's International Maritime Organization said about the crisis?
The IMO stated that at least seven merchant sailors have been killed, and called for measures to protect seafarers from geopolitical tensions.