Amid rising tensions in the Middle East near the Strait of Hormuz, merchant vessels and their crew members find themselves in a perilous situation.
According to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Centre, thirteen ships have been targeted in the strait since the U.S. and Israel initiated their conflict with Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in the deaths of at least seven sailors.
Describing the area as “the most perilous place in the world right now,” Phillip Belcher, the marine director for Intertanko, which represents around 200 independent tanker owners globally, expressed concerns about the heightened risks faced by seafarers.
Seafarers are witnessing missiles flying overhead and living in constant fear of potential attacks, as they remain vulnerable aboard their ships.
The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, has declared a blockade on oil exports during the ongoing conflict, leading to a significant decrease in marine traffic. The UN Trade and Development data indicates that while 151 ships passed through daily in February, the number plummeted to only four on Saturday, effectively blocking a crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the open sea.
Reports suggest that some vessels are altering their tracking data to appear linked to China in a bid to reduce the risk of being targeted. Additionally, certain ships are turning off their automatic identification system transponders to hide their locations. However, due to the slow movement of large tankers and the extensive Iranian surveillance, passing through the strait undetected is nearly impossible.
More than two weeks have passed with hundreds of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, impacting roughly 20,000 seafarers in the region, as reported by the International Maritime Organization. The situation not only affects oil tankers but also cargo ships transporting various goods, food, and chemicals.
Given the escalating risks, companies are facing challenges in navigating the crisis, with insurance rates surging due to the heightened dangers associated with crossing the strait. Nils Haupt, senior director of communications at the German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these threats to commercial shipping.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump proposed naval escorts for safe passage across the strait, concerns persist about the feasibility of such a plan. Belcher expressed skepticism, stating that naval ships could become targets if deployed in the current conditions. Adding to the concerns, American intelligence reports suggest Iran’s potential deployment of sea mines, a tactic not seen since its conflict with Iraq in the 1980s.
Despite the absence of confirmed evidence regarding mine deployment in the shipping lanes, the maritime industry remains on edge about the looming threat. The possibility of sea mines poses a severe risk to maritime trade, creating long-term disruptions even in the event of de-escalation.
Experts believe that ending hostilities is crucial to restoring normal shipping operations, as the prolonged crisis takes a toll on seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf. The International Transport Workers’ Federation highlighted the vulnerability and fear experienced by crew members, advocating for their safety and right to return home after completing their work.