WSC: Latest attacks on commercial shipping underline risk to seafarers and shipping in the Middle East

“Around 20,000 seafarers on vessels operating in the Middle East are facing a dangerous and highly uncertain security situation as the conflict in the region continues," said World Shipping Council President & CEO Joe Kramek. Multiple commercial vessels have been struck since the beginning of the conflict, including a container ship that was hit overnight.

“Several seafarers have already lost their lives. Seafarers are not part of this conflict, yet they are increasingly caught in its path. These are men and women who are simply doing their jobs at sea.”

“We share the IMO Secretary-General’s call for urgent action to ensure the protection of seafarers and respect for freedom of navigation – seafarers must not be targets.”

“Our thoughts are with the seafarers who have lost their lives, their families, and the crews still operating in the region under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.”

“The safety of crews must remain the absolute priority. Ocean carriers are closely monitoring developments and making operational decisions based on the best available information and risk assessments, including pausing or rerouting services where necessary.”

“The Middle East sits at the crossroads of major global trade routes. Disruption in the region will ripple across global supply chains, with longer voyages, delays, and the rewiring of shipping networks to keep trade flowing,” Joe Kramek said.

Key facts:

• A number of attacks on commercial vessels were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC). They have also said multiple attacks have involved vessels with no confirmed affiliation to U.S. or Israeli ownership, indicating that current strike patterns extend beyond narrowly defined Western targets.

• Around 20,000 seafarers remain on vessels operating in the area according to the International Maritime Organization, facing a dangerous and highly uncertain security situation as attacks on commercial shipping continue.