Maritime representatives welcomed the announced temporary agreement between Iran and the US as a relief for thousands of seafarers who have been waiting in the Strait of Hormuz for months. The agreement is expected to reopen passage in the region and allow stranded crews to return to their countries.
US President Donald Trump stated that the strait would reopen on Friday, that Iran would remove the system described as a "transit fee," and that the US would end its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
About 20,000 People Stranded for Months
Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, described the announcement as a relief for maritime workers caught in the middle of the conflict. Kazakos emphasized that safe exit should be the priority but noted that it would take time.
Manoj Yadav, Secretary General of the Indian Seafarers Union, also welcomed the agreement. Yadav said that if the agreement becomes reality, it would be a positive development for the thousands of Indian seafarers waiting in the region.
International Maritime Organization Advances Evacuation Plan
The International Maritime Organization announced it would begin advancing plans on Monday to evacuate seafarers stranded around the strait following the US and Israel’s initiation of hostilities against Iran on February 28.
IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation would take time to ensure all necessary safety and security guarantees.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping, about 500 ships are waiting to pass through the strait. During the same period, 46 known attacks on international sea routes between Iran and the US occurred, resulting in at least 14 seafarer deaths.
Mines and Security Concerns Persist
It was reported that Iran has laid naval mines in the strait, but mine-clearing teams have not yet fully cleared them. Therefore, despite announcements about reopening passage, security concerns remain.
Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, said it would take time for seafarers to feel safe. Jones noted that ceasefire and reopening talks are promising but reminded that similar statements have been made in the past.
According to Jones, for a route to be truly considered safe, shipowners, charterers, insurers, captains, and crews must reach a joint security assessment. This requires lasting peace, a real reduction in threats, healthy communication, and several smooth voyage cycles.
