Maritime Safety Alert: 20,000 Seafarers Stranded Amid Middle East Escalation (March 2026)
- UN Alert for Stranded Seafarers and Passengers: As of March 5–6, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UN agencies reported that over 20,000 seafarers on commercial vessels and 15,000 cruise passengers are currently stranded in the Gulf region due to the ongoing security crisis.
- Major Tanker Incident off Kuwait: On March 5, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an explosion off the port side of a tanker anchored near Kuwait’s Mubarak Al Kabeer port. The vessel took on water from a cargo tank, though the crew was reported safe.
- Maersk Suspends Critical Services: On March 6, Maersk announced the temporary suspension of its FM1 (Far East to Middle East) and ME11 (Middle East to Europe) services as a “precautionary measure” to ensure the safety of personnel and vessels.
- Strait of Hormuz De Facto Closure: While not formally blockaded, major carriers including Hapag-Lloyd and NYK Line have halted transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 150 vessels remain stranded or seeking shelter in the area as of March 5.
- War Risk Insurance Updates: On March 5, the International Underwriting Association (IUA) clarified that while the Persian Gulf is an area of “maximum risk,” war risk cover remains available on an individual voyage basis for operators.
- Greek Seafarers Strike: On March 5, Greek seafarers held a 24-hour strike, halting ferries in response to the escalating risks to crews in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
