IMO has proposed a voluntary framework for the safe departure of merchant ships confined in the Persian Gulf, subject to agreement by conflict parties and the removal of threats to navigation.
The United States has formally urged the IMO to end consideration of the Net-Zero Framework, reject carbon pricing measures and shift toward alternative shipping emissions proposals.
The International Maritime Organization said about 3,200 ships carrying around 20,000 seafarers are confined west of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of an emergency council meeting in London on 18–19 March 2026 as attacks on merchant vessels continue across the Gulf region.
The IMO has urged shipping companies to put crew safety first after attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz caused seafarer casualties. The agency also warned operators to use only confirmed information when making navigational decisions in the high-risk corridor.
ITF data shows seafarer abandonment hit record levels in 2025: 6,223 seafarers across 410 ships, with $25.8 million owed and FOCs dominating cases.
Korea has secured a Category A seat on the IMO Council for the 13th consecutive term at the organization’s 34th general meeting in London, reaffirming its position in global shipping and shipbuilding governance.
Russia failed to win an IMO Council seat after receiving only 47 votes at the 132nd Assembly, falling short of the 113 needed and ranking 22nd in the Category C ballot.
Russia awaits a crucial IMO vote as it seeks to regain its Category (a) council seat after losing it for 2024–25, amid stiff competition across all categories at the London assembly.
IMO legal expert Sinem Ogis Ph.D. interprets the organisation’s one-year postponement of the Net-Zero Framework adoption as a procedural adjustment, not a policy retreat.
