The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has cautioned that naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz cannot “100 per cent guarantee” the safety of commercial shipping, even as tensions disrupt one of the world's most critical oil routes.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, told the Financial Times that while military protection may reduce risks, it is “not a long-term or sustainable solution” to ensure safe passage.
“It reduces the risk, but the risk is still there. The merchant ships and seafarers can be affected,” Dominguez said.
Also Read | Iran's Ali Larijani Killed In Airstrike, Claims Israel; Tehran Yet To Confirm
Financial Times reported that the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has effectively choked traffic through the narrow waterway, which typically handles around a fifth of global oil trade.
Iran has reportedly targeted at least 18 vessels in the Gulf region since hostilities escalated, while its new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has declared the strait “closed” to shipping.
The disruption has pushed Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel, raising concerns over potential global economic fallout. Despite US President Donald Trump promising naval escorts for commercial vessels, no such protection has materialised so far.
In an interview with the FT, Trump warned of a “very bad future” for NATO if European allies fail to support US efforts.
Dominguez pointed to the Strait's challenging geography as a key vulnerability. At its narrowest, the waterway is just 33 km wide, with shipping lanes spanning only about two nautical miles in each direction. Mountainous terrain along Iran's coastline further increases risks, allowing potential attackers to strike vessels with little warning.
“We are collateral damage of a conflict when the root causes have nothing to do with shipping,” he said.
Also Read | How Mojtaba Khamenei Survived Strike That Killed His Father
The IMO has also raised alarms over ships stranded in the Gulf potentially running low on essential supplies, including food, water and fuel. The agency has asked shipping companies to provide updates on onboard conditions to prioritise aid.
“The situation is concerning, particularly because ships are actually not able to operate freely in the Strait of Hormuz or in the region of the Gulf. Access to ports is limited as well because port facilities are being targeted,” Dominguez added. “At some point, supplies will start running low.”
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, only 47 cargo vessels and tankers transited the strait between March 2 and 14, highlighting the sharp drop in activity.
Dominguez urged caution among shipowners, saying: “not to sail and not to put seafarers at risk and not to put the vessels at risk… we need to de-escalate the situation before any shipowners or ship operators actually take the risk.”
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.