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19 Mar 2026 "The Extraordinary IMO Council meeting just held in London has been an important moment to focus on the risks seafarers are facing in the Middle East. More than 20,000 seafarers continue to be in dangerous and highly uncertain conditions, as vessels continue to be targeted. We welcome the IMO Council's call for an immediate halt to attacks on ships affecting innocent civilians. We also strongly support the call for members states to put in place measures to support seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf, including access to food and essential supplies, as well as the need to establish a safe maritime corridor so that ships can leave the region. These priorities reflect concerns raised by the World Shipping Council and across the shipping industry. The industry is ready and eager to collaborate with member states to support seafarers and the establishment of safe passage. Seafarers are not part of this conflict, yet they are caught in its path. They must not be targets." Joe Kramek, President & CEO of World Shipping Council About World Shipping Council World Shipping Council is the united voice of liner shipping, working with policymakers and industry groups to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure shipping industry. WSC members operate 75 percent of the U.S. Maritime Administration's Maritime Security Program Fleet, comprised of U.S. flag, commercially viable, militarily useful merchant ships active in international trade that are available to support U.S. Department of Defense sustainment sealift requirements during times of conflict or other national emergencies. Additionally, WSC members operate two-thirds of the active U.S.-built liner vessels in operation and are responsible for all liner vessels currently on order in U.S. shipyards. We are a non-profit trade association with offices in Brussels, London, Singapore and Washington, D.C. World Shipping Council press release 
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