International shipping organisations have condemned escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after recent attacks on merchant vessels left several seafarers injured and heightened concerns over the safety of crews transiting the region.
IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez said he was "deeply concerned by reports that several seafarers have been injured in attacks on merchant vessels," stressing that "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 reiterated that "freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law, and it must be respected by all Parties, with no exception."
He urged shipping companies to exercise maximum caution and, where possible, avoid transiting the affected area until conditions improve. Dominguez also warned operators to remain alert to misinformation, saying: "I also call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making navigational decisions."
"My thoughts are with the injured seafarers and their families," he added. "Their safety and welfare are our highest priority, and 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."
The International Chamber of Shipping, the European Community Shipowners' Associations and the Asian Shipowners' Association issued a joint statement echoing the concerns, saying: "Our foremost concern is for the wellbeing of the seafarers and civilians affected. We were deeply concerned to learn about the attacks on seafarers and the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected."
The groups called on all parties to prioritise crew safety, noting: "All parties must take all necessary steps to safeguard the safety of seafarers who are simply going about their job and have found themselves, through no fault of their own, in a highly volatile situation."
They described the situation as "fast moving and unpredictable" and stressed the need for reliable information. "It is crucial the entire industry only relies on verified information from trusted sources," the statement said.
The organisations urged vessels operating in the region to conduct thorough risk assessments and maintain vigilance in line with the latest Best Management Practices (BMP) maritime security guidelines. "Ship operators should continue to monitor and act upon updates issued by official state channels," they said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically sensitive waterways, and the latest incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of seafarers and the stability of global shipping routes.
