BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, INTERCARGO, and INTERTANKO have jointly denounced the recent assaults on seafarers and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The International Maritime Organization has confirmed 46 attacks on international shipping in the region since February 28, 2026, resulting in 14 seafarer fatalities. This alarming rise in violence raises serious concerns about the safety of maritime operations and the lives of those at sea.
Commercial shipping crews are civilian entities crucial to global trade, often without influence over the cargoes or routes they undertake. It is imperative that seafarers are not treated as collateral damage in political or military conflicts. Attacks on merchant vessels undermine the principle of freedom of navigation, a cornerstone of international law and vital for the global economy. Military actions, including blockades, must comply with the Law of Armed Conflict, ensuring that only necessary force is used and precautions are taken to minimize civilian harm.
To restore safety in the Strait of Hormuz, all parties must halt attacks and demonstrate restraint in military operations. BIMCO and its partners urge immediate actions to safeguard seafarers and uphold their rights to safe passage as enshrined in international law, while also advocating for de-escalation of tensions in the region. Shipowners are encouraged to prioritize crew safety in light of the evolving situation.
