Maritime Community Seeks Protection Of Seafarers In Middle East
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), World Shipping Council (WSC), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have urged the international community to protect seafarers amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
The global organisations expressed deep concern over reports of death and injuries to several seafarers in recent attacks on merchant vessels at the Strait of Hormuz.
ITF stated that over 200 vessels are currently anchored in or near the Strait with seafarers amid significant uncertainty regarding their safe transit.
IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, said “no attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified,” while issuing a warning on the safety of the maritime workers.
“I am deeply concerned by reports of at least one fatality and several seafarers injured in attacks on merchant vessels. No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified. These crews are simply doing their jobs and must be protected from the effects of wider geopolitical tensions,” he said.
Dominguez said IMO is closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law and must be respected by all parties with no exception.
He urges all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution where possible, noting that vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve.
The IMO boss also urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and rely solely on verified and authoritative sources when making navigational decisions.
Dominguez extended his thoughts to the injured seafarers and their families, affirming that their safety remains the IMO’s top priority.
He said the IMO will continue working closely with member states and partners to support safe navigation and to uphold the principle that civilian mariners must never be harmed.
President, WSC, Joe Kramek, said the safety of seafarers is paramount, noting that they must not be targeted or placed at risk as a result of conflict.
He said the seafarers’ fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must be respected.
“Ocean carriers are making operational decisions based on the best available information and their individual risk assessments. Our thoughts are with the seafarers currently in and around the affected region,” he said.
Meanwhile, ITF and JNG have designated the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as a High Risk Area due to the rapidly deteriorating security environment, confirmed reports of attacks on commercial vessels and the growing risk posed to seafarers.
According to the organisation’s joint statement, seafarers are civilian workers and must never be exposed to military risk or used as leverage in geopolitical conflict, noting that their safety must come before all commercial considerations.
Both organisations urged shipowners and operators to conduct enhanced risk assessments before transit, provide seafarers with clear, timely information regarding security conditions, ensure all contractual, insurance and safety protections are fully implemented, and engage with crews and their representatives regarding voyage planning and risk mitigation.
The ITF and JNG said they will continue working jointly to assess risks, provide guidance to the industry and ensure seafarers receive the protection and support they urgently need.
