A senior executive from MSC Cruises, part of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), stated recently that the company should consider utilizing cruise ships currently idled in the Middle East to assist in evacuating thousands of seafarers trapped aboard commercial vessels in the region.

"MSC Euribia" and "Aroya Manara". Image source: AFP

On April 14, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, provided an update on the status of the group's vessels currently located in the Persian Gulf.

"The reality is that we currently have ships trapped in the Persian Gulf. We are in communication with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) because these cruise ships could be utilized to move large numbers of seafarers out of the Persian Gulf," Vago stated.

Vago indicated that the situation remains fluid and that no definitive timeline has been established. He added that the company remains on standby, ready to act swiftly should an opportunity arise.

Currently, there are six cruise ships in the region, including MSC Euribia, TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal's Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, and Cruise Saudi's Aroya. Collectively, these vessels have a capacity of approximately 17,000 individuals, offering a potential means to transfer large numbers of seafarers to safety.

Vago noted that MSC has reduced the crewing level aboard MSC Euribia to the minimum safe manning requirement. The vessel had been scheduled to reposition to Northern Europe for operations in May, but those voyages have now been cancelled.

Other cruise operators with vessels in the Persian Gulf are facing similar constraints. The prevailing situation in the region has rendered normal vessel movements impossible, and this disruption is also impacting cruise deployment plans beyond the Persian Gulf.

MSC is continuing consultations with maritime authorities to develop a safe and viable evacuation plan that can be executed promptly should conditions permit. At present, any such initiative remains contingent upon the evolution of the situation and the establishment of conditions allowing for vessel movement. The immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of seafarers aboard vessels still located in the region.