The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold an Extraordinary Session of its Council to address the impacts on shipping and seafarers of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The session will be held on 18 to 19 March 2026 at IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, to be chaired by Mr. Victor Jiménez of Spain.
The Extraordinary Session is convened following requests from several IMO Council Members. IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez held briefings with industry organizations (11 March) and Member States (12 March) to share information and discuss recent developments. The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO, consisting of 40 Member States, elected by the IMO Assembly.
Late last week, the IMO Secretary General declared that seafarers must not be targets in the conflict.
“I am alarmed and deeply saddened to hear of a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 6 March 2026, in which at least four seafarers have reportedly lost their lives and three severely injured. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses. Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, on board ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain. This is unacceptable and unsustainable. All parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law,” Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said after seafarer fatalities were reported in Middle East.
There have been 19 attacks on shipping in and around the Persian Gulf between 28 February and 11 March. Attacks have been carried out against dry bulk carriers, container ships, chemical carriers, tugs, products of oil tankers, and more, according to Clarksons Research.
