IMO Warns Ships Against Transiting Hormuz Without Credible Security Guarantees

London (ANTARA) - The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Tuesday warned ships against attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without credible security guarantees, emphasising that no commercial considerations justify decisions that could place crew members in extreme danger. “I am increasingly concerned to hear reports that ships continue to attempt to transit the Strait of Hormuz without credible security assurances,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in a statement. Dominguez said crew members have been killed, injured, and detained in a number of recent incidents, while the security situation in the region remains highly volatile and lacks reliable guarantees for safe passage. “My foremost priority is the safety and lives of the crew members placed in this situation,” he said, adding that seafarers must not be placed at risk of clear, significant, and unmitigable danger. The IMO Secretary-General stressed that ship captains and shipping companies bear primary responsibility for voyage planning and risk assessment within the framework of international safety and security management. “No commercial or operational consideration whatsoever can justify the decision to place crew members at such risk. The protection of their lives must remain the top priority at all times,” he said. He also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and urged all parties to refrain from 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 at the end of February, resulting in 11 seafarer fatalities.