The impact of the ongoing war in the Gulf on maritime shipping continues, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) saying that 400 ships and around 6,000 seafarers remain unable to leave the region safely.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said some ships and crews had managed to leave the Gulf, but up to 400 ships had been unable to depart the region safely since the fighting began. Dominguez said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had yet to be resolved.
Uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz affects supply chains
According to information confirmed by the UN agency IMO, international maritime shipping has been targeted in at least 70 attacks since the war began on February 28. Nineteen seafarers have died in the attacks.
Disruptions to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of global oil trade, are threatening fuel and fertilizer supply chains. The situation could have serious consequences for communities and economies around the world.
Pointing to the thousands of seafarers living amid risk and uncertainty, Dominguez called on member states and the maritime industry to act. The IMO chief urged stronger political will to restore freedom of navigation in the waterway.
US-Iran talks halted
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June for talks aimed at reaching a final agreement. However, the negotiations later stalled over disagreements regarding security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.