Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

The United Nations has launched a large-scale operation to evacuate around 11,000 seafarers stranded aboard ships in the Gulf, as conditions begin to stabilize following a ceasefire linked to months of regional conflict.

The effort is being coordinated by the UN’s maritime agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has started contacting vessels to organize their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Hundreds of ships have been unable to leave the area due to ongoing security threats, including attacks on commercial vessels and the presence of hazards such as mines. The situation has left crews stuck at sea for extended periods, often under significant physical and psychological strain.

According to the IMO, the evacuation will take place in carefully managed phases to reduce risks. Ships will be assigned specific transit windows and guided through alternative temporary routes, as the usual navigation system in the strait is currently considered unsafe.

The operation involves close coordination between multiple stakeholders, including Iran, Oman, the United States, other coastal states, and representatives of the global shipping industry. The UN says it has secured the necessary safety assurances to begin moving vessels out of the area.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to open ocean routes, is vital for global trade, particularly energy supplies. Disruptions there in recent months have severely impacted shipping, with thousands of seafarers effectively trapped in a high-risk zone.

UN officials emphasize that the evacuation is not only a logistical challenge but also a humanitarian priority, as crews have faced ongoing danger from military escalation, supply shortages, and uncertainty about when they would be able to return home.