The International Maritime  Organization (IMO) has announced it is to launch a rescue mission to repatriate thousands of seafarers stranded in the strait of Hormuz.

It comes amid hopes that the vital Strait would reopen following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, would allow vessels to begin to move thought he waterway.

However, the peace deal remains tenuous and now  the IMO has decided to act.

In a statement IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez (pic) said: “After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping.

“I want to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent seafarers who tragically lost their lives during this conflict. Their dedication in service of global trade will not be forgotten.

“We will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.

“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations. We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade.”

The move has been backed by the  International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) with a spokesperson saying seafarers had to come first.

“The priority remains the safe evacuation of the 11,000 seafarers who have been stranded in the region since the end of February,”  they added. “We have consistently said that this will require coordination between the International Maritime Organization (IMO), states in the region and crucially the industry.

“The IMO evacuation plan is a welcome development to delivering this coordination and restoring freedom of navigation. It is vital this plan works in harmony, rather than conflicting, with existing mechanisms.

“We will continue to work with the IMO and industry partners to ensure the safety and security of shipping seeking to exit the region.”

It came as the organisation issues its Maritime Barometer Report 2025–2026, which revealed an industry adapting to an increasingly complex  operating environment shaped by geopolitical instability, regulatory uncertainty, and  economic volatility.

The barometer surveyed C-suite level leaders, shipowners, and operators  worldwide to identify the key risk areas shaping shipping. This 2025-2026 barometer saw a record number of responses from shipping leaders worldwide, with the report  identifying geopolitical instability as the sector’s most significant concern.

The report added this instability acts as a risk multiplier across a range of challenges including  cybersecurity, regulatory fragmentation, administrative burden, and changing global  trade patterns.

The ICS said the findings highlight a more fragmented and less predictable environment for  international shipping, while also underscoring the sector’s continued resilience and  ability to adapt. The report emphasises shipping leaders’ call for greater coordination,  regulatory clarity, and financial support to ensure shipping can continue to facilitate  global trade while progressing its energy transition.

ICS secretary general Thomas  Kazakos said: “Global shipping is entering a period where uncertainty is no longer an interruption to  business, it is the backdrop against which decisions are made. The findings of this  year’s Barometer are clear: geopolitical instability has become a defining risk multiplier,  influencing everything from market conditions and operational planning to investment  decisions and the pace of the energy transition. In response, industry leaders are taking  an increasingly pragmatic approach, prioritising resilience, adaptability and proven  solutions.”

He added: “Maintaining  progress will require regulatory clarity, global alignment, and continued cooperation  between industry and governments. The Report reinforces the importance of stable  international frameworks that support investment and provide confidence for long-term  decision making. At a time of increasing fragmentation, maintaining a consistent global  approach is essential for shipping, supply chains, and the wider world economy.”