IMO: 1,500 Ships Trapped in Gulf Amid Iran Conflict Disruption
The International Maritime Organisation has confirmed that approximately 1,500 commercial vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. The scale of the shipping paralysis represents one of the most significant maritime disruptions in decades.
The Gulf carries an estimated 20 to 30 percent of global oil trade, and the immobilisation of this many vessels is already generating acute pressure on global energy supply chains, insurance markets, and commodity pricing. Major shipping companies have suspended or rerouted services, triggering delays across Asia, Europe, and South Asia.
The IMO has issued emergency navigational advisories and is coordinating with member states to establish safe passage corridors, though the effectiveness of such measures remains constrained by the active conflict environment. Several vessels have reported being unable to communicate with port authorities due to electronic interference in the region.
Pakistan, which relies heavily on Gulf shipping lanes for both energy imports and export cargo, faces potential delays in fuel and commodity deliveries. Industry stakeholders in Karachi have already flagged rising freight and insurance costs as the crisis deepens.
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