The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, has become a dangerous war zone due to the conflict between Iran and the United States, leaving thousands of seafarers stranded and exposing them to missile and mine attacks.
According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, many crews face severe shortages of food, drinking water, fuel, medical assistance, and unpaid wages, while more than 40 sailors have reportedly been killed. The organization criticizes some shipowners for continuing to send vessels into the high-risk area despite the obvious dangers to crews.
Shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd say they have prioritized crew safety over profits, rerouting ships and accepting significant financial losses to avoid conflict zones. Experts warn that if growing numbers of experienced seafarers refuse to return to sea, global supply chains and international trade could face serious long-term disruptions.