The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has issued a stark warning over the continued transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The warning comes amid an increasingly volatile security environment, with the IMO chief citing unacceptable risks to seafarers operating in the region.
In a formal statement, Dominguez said he was “increasingly concerned” by reports of vessels attempting passage through the strait without credible security guarantees, despite documented incidents in which seafarers have been killed, injured, and detained.
He said: “The current situation remains highly volatile, with no reliable security assurances in place. Under such circumstances, safe passage cannot be considered to exist.”
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The IMO chief placed responsibility squarely on shipowners and masters, reminding the industry that voyage planning and risk assessment obligations under established safety and security management frameworks are non-negotiable. He stressed: “No commercial or operational consideration can justify exposing seafarers to such levels of danger.”
The statement is a direct signal to operators who may be prioritising commercial schedules over crew welfare in one of the world’s most strategically significant chokepoints.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of global seaborne oil trade, and any disruption carries significant consequences for energy markets and supply chains.
Dominguez urged all stakeholders to exercise the “highest level of responsibility” and reiterated his call on all parties to refrain from actions that endanger civilian seafarers.
For more information:
International Maritime Organization – https://www.imo.org/en
