IMO reports 115 ships and 2,500 crew evacuated from Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that, since the launch of its evacuation plan, 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers have been withdrawn from the Strait of Hormuz. The disclosure has drawn widespread attention because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors, and developments there have a substantial impact on global shipping and energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz lies in the Middle East, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, and ranks among the busiest sea lanes worldwide. The region’s security environment is complex, with several nations holding important strategic interests. The IMO, a specialized United Nations agency responsible for maritime transport, was established in 1959 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It currently counts 176 member states and three associate members.

The organization’s core mandate is to ensure the safety of maritime transport, protect the marine environment, and address legal issues related to shipping. To fulfil this mandate, the IMO operates through five principal committees and a number of technical sub‑committees, and it maintains close cooperation with other UN bodies and non‑governmental organizations. Decision‑making rests with the Assembly, comprising all member states and convened biennially. Financial and administrative affairs are overseen by a Council of 40 members elected by the Assembly.

In recent years, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated, with multiple incidents of vessel detentions and attacks that have disrupted global shipping and energy flows. The IMO has responded with a series of measures aimed at safeguarding maritime operations, including the adoption of new safety regulations, the strengthening of maritime oversight, and the provision of technical assistance to affected parties.

These initiatives have received broad support from member states and relevant organizations. The IMO has also called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation. While the security environment in the Strait of Hormuz remains complex and sensitive, the IMO affirmed its commitment to continue close monitoring and to implement any necessary steps to ensure the safety of maritime transport.

For Taiwan, the developments in the Strait of Hormuz carry significant implications for its energy supply and shipping sector. As an island nation heavily reliant on imported energy and raw materials, Taiwan’s energy security and economic growth are closely tied to the stability of this maritime route. Moreover, Taiwan is an active participant in global shipping, and disruptions in the Strait affect its maritime trade. Consequently, Taiwan must closely follow the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and take appropriate measures to safeguard its energy security and maintain a stable shipping industry.