Key facts
- The International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Joint Negotiating Group will keep the Strait of Hormuz classified as a “Warlike Operations Area” until July 9.
- Seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz will continue to receive double pay under International Bargaining Forum labour agreements.
- The decision acknowledges continuing significant risks to life and the evolving situation in the region.
- Approximately 11,000 seafarers were stranded on 600 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- An evacuation plan for vessels was suspended following attacks on ships in late June.
- Unions are advocating for the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Israeli ports to be designated as Warlike Operations Areas to grant seafarers the right to refuse passage and receive protections.
- Maritime insurers have already classified these waters as war-risk zones.
- A peace agreement between the United States and Iran has been concluded, aimed at restoring maritime security.
Seafarers face significant risks in the Strait of Hormuz, leading transport unions and maritime employers to agree to maintain its classification as a “Warlike Operations Area” until July 9. This decision comes after attacks on cargo ships in late June, which prompted the UN maritime agency to suspend an evacuation plan for hundreds of vessels trapped in the region.
Under the agreement between the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG), seafarers on ships covered by International Bargaining Forum labour agreements will continue to receive double pay for operating in the Strait of Hormuz. Both organizations acknowledged the continuing and significant risk to life and the rapidly evolving situation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported that approximately 11,000 seafarers were stranded on about 600 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. An evacuation of around 2,500 seafarers and 115 vessels over three days was halted due to subsequent attacks.
The ITF has also called for the Gulf of Oman and Israeli ports to be designated as Warlike Operations Areas. This designation would grant seafarers the right to refuse to enter these zones, be repatriated safely without penalty, and receive appropriate protections. The union cited an undeniable increase in military activity, including drone strikes and vessel seizures, and noted that major maritime insurers have already classified these waters as war-risk zones.
In response to the disruptions, the IMO identified temporary new sea lanes for vessels to exit the Strait, distinct from the usual routes. The agency stressed the importance of following instructions from coastal states to mitigate risks related to mines and navigation conditions. The IMO Secretary-General welcomed a recently concluded peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which aims to restore maritime security and end attacks against civilian shipping.