LONDON, March 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The International Maritime Organization will begin an "extraordinary session" on Wednesday to discuss shipping amid the Middle East war, as fears grow over the fate of thousands of stranded ships and seafarers. The London-based UN agency -- responsible for regulating international shipping safety -- is set to consider adopting possible resolutions during the two-day gathering at its London headquarters. The IMO's 40-member council could vote Thursday on several proposed resolutions, including one to "establish a safe maritime corridor to allow the safe evacuation of seafarers and ships stranded in the Persian Gulf". It has also left around 20,000 seafarers stranded on approximately 3,200 vessels west of the strait, according to the IMO. Noting Iran had "threatened and attacked commercial vessels and seafarers, as well as civilian maritime infrastructure" it said the attacks were "unjustifiable and must cease".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 18, 2026 11:40 UTC