IMO Secretary-General Warns: Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz 'Does Not Exist'

## IMO Chief Sounds Alarm Over Hormuz Transit Safety The International Maritime Organization's Secretary-General has delivered an unambiguous warning to the global shipping community: safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz 'does not exist,' as the persistent security situation in the region continues to place seafarers in grave danger. According to Seatrade Maritime, the IMO chief's remarks come amid a concerning trend of a small but growing number of vessel transits through the strait, despite the ongoing conflict that has made the waterway one of the most hazardous chokepoints in global shipping. The Strait of Hormuz carries enormous strategic significance for world energy markets, serving as the primary export route for a substantial portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Gulf producers. Any sustained disruption to traffic through the 21-mile-wide navigable channel would have immediate and far-reaching consequences for energy supply chains worldwide. The Secretary-General's warning underscores the IMO's deep concern for the welfare of seafarers operating in the region. Maritime professionals and shipowners face an acute dilemma: the commercial and logistical pressures to maintain cargo movements through the strait must be weighed against the very real physical danger posed to crews and vessels. The statement serves as a formal caution to ship operators, flag states, and charterers that the organization does not consider the current environment conducive to safe navigation. Industry observers note that while some operators have resumed or continued transits — likely driven by contractual obligations, cargo commitments, or commercial incentives — the IMO's position makes clear that the risk calculus remains deeply unfavorable. Shipping companies operating in or near the Persian Gulf are advised to consult the latest maritime security advisories, engage with their flag state authorities, and review war risk insurance coverage before committing vessels to Hormuz transits. Crew welfare and the duty of care owed to seafarers must remain paramount considerations in any operational decision-making. The IMO continues to monitor the situation and engage with relevant parties in pursuit of a resolution that restores freedom of navigation and ensures the safety of the international seafaring community.