International Maritime Organisation (IMO) secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez has warned that there is “No commercial or operational consideration” that can justify exposing seafarers to serious danger, amid concerns over vessels continuing to transit the Strait of Hormuz without credible security guarantees. 

Dominguez said he was “increasingly concerned” by reports that vessels continue to attempt to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite well-established risks. 

“I am increasingly concerned by reports that vessels continue to attempt to transit the Strait of Hormuz without any credible security guarantees, despite well-established risks and the fact that seafarers have already been killed, injured and others detained in recent incidents,” he said. 

At the centre of the IMO chief’s message was the protection of seafarers, who he said must not be placed in situations where the risks are already known, significant and beyond mitigation. 

“My primary concern is for the safety and lives of the seafarers being placed in these situations,” Dominguez said. 

“They must not be exposed to conditions where the risks are known, significant, and clearly beyond mitigation. The current situation remains highly volatile, with no reliable security assurances in place. Under such circumstances, safe passage cannot be considered to exist,” he added. 

Dominguez also reminded shipmasters and companies that they carry the ultimate responsibility for voyage planning and risk assessment. 

“I recall in the strongest possible terms that the ship’s master, and the company, bear the ultimate responsibility for voyage planning and for conducting thorough and realistic risk assessments, in accordance with their obligations under established safety and security management frameworks. These responsibilities are fundamental and must be exercised with the utmost rigour,” he said. 

He stressed that decisions affecting seafarers must be guided by safety rather than commercial or operational considerations. 

“No commercial or operational consideration can justify exposing seafarers to such levels of danger. The protection of their lives must remain the overriding priority at all times,” Dominguez said. 

He also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid any action that could place civilian seafarers at risk. 

“I urge all stakeholders to act with the highest level of responsibility and reiterate my call on all parties to refrain from any actions that place innocent civilian seafarers at risk,” he said.