WSC welcomes evacuation plan for ships in Persian Gulf

25 June 2026 - World Shipping Council welcomes the critically important IMO and Strait of Hormuz Coastal Sate vessel evacuation plan, announced this week, for ships that remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. Safe evacuation of vessels and seafarers remains our members’ top priority, and this plan provides an orderly framework to achieve that.

Coordinated evacuation is now essential to support the safe passage of seafarers and ships still caught in the region. Implementing the plan safely will require close cooperation between governments, the IMO, UKMTO and industry. The sooner vessels are given the opportunity to take advantage of the evacuation routes the sooner those vessels and mariners can reach safe waters.

The attacks and threats to seafarers and ships in the region have been unacceptable. This conflict has again shown why freedom of navigation must be respected and protected. Ships must be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely, securely and without toll.