The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), around 6,000 seafarers have been stranded in the region since the conflict began.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has now warned that the situation for international merchant shipping remains critical. There is effectively a double blockade in the strait. Numerous ships have once again been attacked in recent days. According to media reports, 24 ships have been attacked in the space of around two weeks.
Dominguez called on shipping companies not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the time being, as long as there were no adequate security guarantees. Since the start of the conflict on 28 February, seafarers have lost their lives in attacks. According to IMO figures, a total of 100 maritime incidents in the region had been confirmed by 9 October. Twenty-four seafarers lost their lives in these incidents.
Further tensions have been caused by a diplomatic row between Iran and the US over the use of VHF maritime channel 16. Tehran accuses the US armed forces of repeatedly using the internationally designated emergency and safety channel to issue threats against Iranian ship crews. In a letter to the IMO dated 9 October, Iran complained that American military personnel had intimidated seafarers in Persian and, in some cases, ordered them to leave their vessels.
The US Central Command (Centcom), which is responsible for the region, rejected the allegation of unprofessional conduct. It stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports, which has been in place for months, had been properly communicated. Ships that failed to comply with instructions had received several warnings and ample opportunity to respond. The Iranian allegations have not yet been independently verified.
Dominguez emphasised that Channel 16 must not be used for military threats or other communications unrelated to its intended purpose. The IMO could examine whether technical measures or amendments to its regulations were necessary. However, he did not announce a formal investigation.
IMO warns of fraudulent ship registers
The IMO Secretary-General identified the increasing number of ships operating under false flags or with fraudulent registrations as a further security risk. Such vessels are used, amongst other things, as shuttle tankers to transport goods into and out of the region despite the tense situation.
Dominguez criticised shipowners who deliberately expose their crews to considerable danger for such transport operations. This behaviour, he said, contributes to further escalation.
Dominguez explained that diplomatic channels of communication between the IMO and Iran remain open. However, he added that the ongoing conflict is making it difficult to take concrete decisions to improve safety. He does not maintain direct contact with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
