UN Maritime Agency Responds to Rising Attacks on Vessels in Arabian Gulf
The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) has acknowledged a series of recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf, urging ships to exercise maximum caution in the area. The IMO is currently working to verify reports of these incidents, which have raised significant security concerns for maritime operations in the region.
On May 4, a tanker was reportedly struck by unidentified projectiles north of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. This incident followed an attack on a bulk carrier by multiple small craft near Iran just a day earlier. In response to the escalating threats, vessels in the vicinity have been instructed to relocate from their anchorages, highlighting the increasingly volatile security environment. Since late February, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has documented at least 41 incidents affecting vessels in and around the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.
Amid these tensions, Iran claimed to have targeted a U.S. naval vessel, alleging it prevented entry into the strait. However, the U.S. government has denied any such attack occurred. In a related development, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would assist stranded ships in leaving the strait, where many have been trapped for months.
UN Response to Maritime Security Threats
The IMO is actively collaborating with the shipping industry to develop contingency plans, including a potential safe evacuation framework for vessels and crews caught in the conflict zone. Approximately 800 ships engaged in international trade, including oil tankers, bulk carriers, and container vessels, could be involved in such an evacuation. With an average crew size of 25 members per vessel, this situation places around 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
The IMO has emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of these maritime workers. The agency is working diligently to assess the situation and provide guidance to shipping companies operating in the affected areas. As the security landscape continues to evolve, the IMO remains committed to safeguarding maritime operations and ensuring the well-being of seafarers.
Challenges and Calls for De-escalation
Despite some crew changes and repatriations—approximately 450 seafarers have been assisted—tens of thousands of maritime workers remain at sea. The broader fleet in the region comprises nearly 3,000 vessels of various types, all of which are vulnerable to the ongoing conflict. The IMO has warned that all seafarers in the Persian Gulf are at risk of missile strikes, falling debris, and potential shortages of essential supplies like food and water.
Shipping Markets Face Increased Volatility Amid Iran Tensions
The maritime agency has stated that naval escorts alone cannot provide a sustainable solution to the escalating threats. It calls for de-escalation and a long-term agreement to ensure safe navigation in the region. “Naval escorts are not a sustainable solution; true de-escalation and a long-term agreement that ensures the safety of seafarers is the only way forward,” the IMO emphasized.
