The escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have left around 2,000 vessels and nearly 20,000 seafarers stranded, creating a serious challenge for global maritime operations, according to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.
Speaking to international media, Dominguez said the prolonged standstill is placing immense pressure on crews, who are facing rising stress, fatigue, and dwindling onboard supplies. He warned that the longer ships remain immobilized in the region, the more severe the humanitarian and operational consequences will become.
Insurance has emerged as another major concern, with many companies either withdrawing coverage or imposing sharply higher premiums due to the heightened risks. This has further complicated efforts to resume normal shipping movements through one of the world’s most critical trade routes.
Despite the crisis, Dominguez noted that a full-scale humanitarian emergency has so far been avoided, thanks to assistance provided by countries bordering the Gulf. He added that the IMO is actively working to establish a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for stranded vessels.
He also expressed concern over proposals to deploy military escorts for commercial shipping, describing such measures as unsustainable given the lack of guarantees for the safety of civilian crews.
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains open under certain conditions. Iran’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, stated earlier this week that the waterway is accessible to all nations except those it considers hostile. He added that tensions would ease if the United States withdraws from the region and emphasized Iran’s readiness to ensure safe navigation for friendly vessels.
However, the situation on the ground—or at sea—remains volatile. Sailors stranded aboard oil tankers and cargo ships have reported frequent sightings of drones, fighter jets, and missile activity, as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensifies.
Recent days have seen a rise in reported attacks on vessels in the Gulf, following Iran’s warnings that it could target ships attempting to cross the strait in response to ongoing military strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping corridor, particularly for oil and energy supplies. The current crisis has disrupted not only energy markets but also broader international trade, raising concerns over prolonged instability in the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of thousands of seafarers and the safe movement of global shipping remain uncertain.
