The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is preparing plans to evacuate nearly 20,000 seafarers and about 2,000 ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, reports Singapore's Fairtrade Maritime Shipping.

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the evacuation must be phased rather than executed en masse to ensure safety amid heightened risks in the region. The strait, only about 30 kilometres wide, is a critical maritime corridor where disruptions could affect global trade and economic stability.

The plans are being developed in collaboration with multiple countries, reflecting the need for coordinated action. The high vessel density and hazards linked to geopolitical tension make the situation complex, with the IMO strategy prioritising crew wellbeing and the protection of maritime assets.

The circumstances highlight the importance of crisis management and international cooperation. The IMO's initiative to organise and oversee the evacuation is seen as a key step in mitigating risks associated with operations in such a high-stakes environment.

The situation remains fluid, and global maritime stakeholders are closely monitoring the steps taken by the IMO.