**Seafarers Face Ongoing Crises Amid Geopolitical Turmoil, Warns IMO Secretary-General**
The global shipping industry, often in the spotlight during fuel price hikes and cargo delays, is currently grappling with a series of crises that have severely impacted the lives of seafarers. In a recent interview on the UN podcast *Awake at Night*, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), highlighted the dire circumstances faced by these maritime workers, who have been caught in a cycle of crises exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
Dominguez emphasized that while the world may notice shipping disruptions when prices rise or goods become scarce, the human element—seafarers—often remains overlooked. He pointed out that many of these workers have been "pushed from one crisis to another" since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some trapped for months in perilous regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is vital for global oil transportation, and the presence of conflict has made it increasingly dangerous for those operating vessels in the area.
During the interview, Dominguez recounted the experiences of approximately 11,000 seafarers who found themselves stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating tensions. He noted that ships must remain crewed at all times, and replacing crew members in conflict zones has become increasingly difficult, as many seafarers are reluctant to enter such hazardous environments. "They are just powerless," Dominguez stated, explaining the exhaustion and emotional toll on crews who face constant threats from drones and missiles while being separated from their families for extended periods.
Despite their own challenges, seafarers have shown resilience and solidarity, sharing supplies with neighboring vessels facing similar hardships. However, Dominguez expressed concern that the plight of these workers has largely been forgotten in public discourse. "What they really want is for people to remember them," he said, urging for greater recognition of seafarers as essential workers.
The implications of these crises extend beyond the immediate safety of seafarers. Dominguez highlighted that around 20% of the world's oil, 19% of liquefied natural gas, and 13% of fertilizers crucial for global food security are transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Following a recent peace agreement, the IMO has initiated efforts to evacuate stranded crews and restore safe passage through the strait, although Dominguez remains cautious about celebrating progress. He underscored the need for comprehensive measures, including demining the area and maintaining dialogue among involved parties, to ensure the safe resumption of trade.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is not an isolated incident. Dominguez pointed out that geopolitical conflicts have increasingly targeted commercial shipping, with vessels facing attacks in the Black Sea and Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. These incidents have forced operators to reroute, significantly impacting transit revenues for key maritime passages like the Suez Canal, which suffered a 70% drop during recent disruptions. Additionally, piracy has resurged off the coasts of Somalia and Yemen, further complicating the security landscape for shipping operations.
"My biggest concern is how geopolitics are utilizing shipping as leverage and politicizing it," Dominguez remarked, reflecting on the broader implications of these conflicts. He noted that the pattern of crises began during the pandemic when many seafarers were unable to leave their vessels for extended periods due to border closures. This was followed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, attacks in the Red Sea, and ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Dominguez stressed the interconnectedness of global trade, stating, "Whenever you affect shipping, everybody else gets affected." With vessels responsible for transporting approximately 90% of global goods, he urged stakeholders not to take the shipping industry for granted.
In addition to navigating geopolitical challenges, the shipping industry is also under pressure to address environmental concerns. The IMO's recently adopted greenhouse gas strategy aims to decarbonize shipping by around 2050, exploring alternatives such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen-derived fuels, and carbon capture technologies. However, Dominguez acknowledged that the transition to cleaner fuels is hindered by limited availability and a lack of necessary infrastructure.
Reflecting on his own journey, Dominguez shared insights into his background, having grown up in Panama and studied naval architecture in Mexico. His experiences have shaped his perspective on the shipping industry, and he remains optimistic about the future, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience during challenging times.
When asked about his greatest concerns, Dominguez did not cite war or piracy but instead focused on the future: "What I can do next," he said, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to addressing the myriad challenges facing the shipping industry and its workforce.
As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions and their impact on global shipping, the call for greater recognition and support for seafarers remains urgent. Their safety and well-being are essential not only for the maritime industry but for the stability of global trade as a whole.