Finance
Greek Seafarers Strike Over Crews Stranded in the Gulf by Iran War
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
Greek seafarers launched a 24‑hour nationwide strike on March 5, halting ferry services to protest the plight of crew members stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the escalating Iran‑Middle East war, demanding the area be declared a war‑risk zone to enable immediate repatriation.
Greek seafarers strike over crews stranded in the Gulf, mariners can refuse to sail
Greek Seafarers Strike and Maritime Crisis in the Gulf
PIRAEUS, Greece, March 5 (Reuters) - Greek seafarers held a 24-hour strike on Thursday, halting local ferry services as they protested over crews stranded in the Gulf amid the escalating Middle East war, while the leading global union and shipping companies reached a deal on repatriation and wages.
Impact of Iran Conflict on Global Shipping
The Iran conflict threatens Gulf ports and has already disrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply. Although the Strait is not shut, Iran has warned that it will fire on any ship trying to pass through.
At least 200 ships are anchored near the strait. Since the start of the conflict on February 28, nine ships have been damaged and at least one seafarer has been killed. The International Maritime Organization says it is concerned for about 20,000 seafarers in the region.
Greek Shipping Dominance in the Gulf
Greece is a dominant force in global shipping, controlling one of the world’s largest merchant fleets. More than 325 ships that are Greek owned or managed are in the wider Gulf area, with crews including dozens of Greek seafarers.
Evacuation Demand and Union Actions
Union Calls for Immediate Evacuation
EVACUATION DEMAND
Greece's main seafarers union PNO, which organised the 24-hour walkout on Thursday, called for the immediate evacuation of all seafarers in the area, regardless of nationality, and their safe repatriation to their home countries. It said ships should be prohibited from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
International Bargaining Forum Agreement
Following negotiations, mariners and commercial shipping companies that are part of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) reached an agreement on Thursday that seafarers could refuse to sail into the Mideast Gulf region, with repatriation at the company’s cost and compensation equal to two months’ basic wage.
Additional Compensation and Union Involvement
In addition, they will receive higher pay and compensation will be doubled in the event of death or disability, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the leading global union that was part of the agreement, said in a statement.
PNO was also party to the agreement.
Athens Protest and Seafarer Risks
Protests in Athens
ATHENS PROTEST
In Athens, dozens of protesters rallied earlier outside the shipowners' union near the port of Piraeus and spray-painted: "No sacrifice for profits and wars" on the ground. A motorcycle convoy drove to the shipping ministry.
Risks and Demands for Seafarers' Safety
Risks for seafarers include not only attacks but also potential food and supply shortages, said Apostolis Kypraios, head of marine engineers' union PEMEN.
"The government and shipowners are responsible for the people trapped in war areas," Kypraios said.
"We demand that they find a solution for our colleagues to return home. Their families are worried."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Vania Turner in Athens and Jonathan Saul in London; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Aidan Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •Greek unions halted all ferry and ship departures on March 5 to demand evacuation and war‑risk designation amid threats in the Persian Gulf (greekcitytimes.com)
- •At least 10 Greek‑flagged vessels with 85 Greek seafarers are trapped in the Gulf, with another five nearby and over 325 vessels linked to Greek interests in the wider region (greekcitytimes.com)
- •The IMO warns some 20,000 seafarers are stranded in Gulf waters, with insurances canceled and global shipping severely disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz, straining global energy flows (thenationalnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek seafarers strike over crews stranded in the Gulf by Iran war
1Why are Greek seafarers on strike?
Greek seafarers are striking to protest crews stranded in the Gulf due to the escalating Iran conflict and to demand the area be declared a war risk zone.
2How has the Iran conflict affected global shipping?
The conflict has disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, put crews at risk, and led to several ships being damaged or held in open waters.
3What are Greek unions demanding for stranded seafarers?
Unions are demanding the safe evacuation and repatriation of crews stranded in conflict zones, with government and shipowners held responsible.
4How many Greek ships and seafarers are affected?
More than 325 ships of Greek interests, with dozens of Greek seafarers onboard, are in the wider Gulf area affected by the conflict.
5What risks do seafarers face in the Gulf region?
Risks include potential attacks, food and supply shortages, and the threat of being stranded in war zones.