ILO committee urges immediate action as about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in Strait of Hormuz

ILO member states were called on to cooperate and "take all the necessary measures to safeguard the lives, safety, and wellbeing of affected seafarers."

The Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) of the International Labour Organization have called on member states to take urgent action to protect seafarers stranded in conflict-affected waters, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued on 24 April 2026, the Officers expressed "grave concern" over the situation, noting that approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently unable to leave the area amid heightened violence in the Middle East region.

They urged all ILO member states to cooperate and "take all the necessary measures to safeguard the lives, safety, and wellbeing of affected seafarers." Flag States and the global shipping industry were also advised to exercise the highest level of caution until security conditions improve.

The Officers stressed that the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 remains fully applicable even during crises, adding that upholding the Convention is "more critical" under current circumstances.

Building on the position adopted by the International Maritime Organization, the committee highlighted the need to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential supplies – including food, water, and fuel – to vessels unable to leave the Strait.

They also encouraged States to facilitate crew changes and repatriation in line with the Convention and relevant international standards, to support seafarers’ health, safety, wellbeing, and communication with their families.

The officers further called on governments to recognise seafarers as key workers and to enable their safe movement, including access to shore leave, medical care, and repatriation, in accordance with the 2025 amendments to the Convention.

Highlighting human rights considerations, they urged industry stakeholders to respect seafarers' right to choose whether to work in high-risk areas, without fear of negative consequences for future employment.

The committee also acknowledged ongoing collaboration between ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, and commended the IMO’s role in coordinating international efforts to address the situation.

The STC, established under Article XIII of the Maritime Labour Convention, brings together governments, shipowners, and seafarers to review the implementation of the Convention on an ongoing basis.

Photo: Maritime Labour Convention page, ILO