IMO Warns Ships Against Transiting Hormuz Without Credible Security Guarantees

London (ANTARA) - The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) warned on Tuesday (9/6) that ships should not attempt to traverse the Strait of Hormuz without credible security guarantees, emphasising that no commercial considerations can justify decisions that place crews in extreme danger.

“I am increasingly concerned to hear reports that ships continue to attempt to transit the Strait of Orumuz without credible security assurances,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in a statement.

Dominguez noted that crew members have been killed, injured, and detained in a number of recent incidents, while the security situation in the region remains highly unstable with minimal reliable guarantees for safe passage.

“My top priority is the safety and lives of the crew members placed in this situation,” he said, adding that crews must not be exposed to risks that are clearly present, significant, and beyond the scope of mitigation.

The IMO Secretary-General emphasised that ship captains and shipping companies bear the primary responsibility for voyage planning and risk assessment within the framework of international safety and security management.

“No commercial or operational consideration can justify the decision to place crew members at such great risk. The protection of their lives must remain the top priority at all times,” he stated.

He also called upon all stakeholders to act responsibly and urged all parties to refrain from taking actions that could endanger civilian seafarers.

According to IMO data, as of 9 June, a total of 42 maritime incidents have been confirmed since the outbreak of conflict in late February, resulting in 11 fatalities among seafarers.