Intro

Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the Strait of Hormuz crisis, have disrupted the maritime industry, revealing a disconnect between decision-makers and conditions at sea, where seafarers are the primary victims. 

Breakdown

In June 2025, Cardiff University found seafarers had fewer rest breaks, limited medical care, and reduced shore leave, with over 40% reporting mental distress. Gard’s data showed rising deaths since 2022, with suicides exceeding accidents. The World Risk Poll (140,000 people, 140 countries) led Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Lloyd’s List Intelligence to conclude seafaring is increasingly dangerous, difficult, and overlooked in favour of trade over seafarers’ health and safety.

Economic Impact

Seafarers are vital to the global economy, sustaining trade and national prosperity. The UK’s Value of Shipping 2025 report shows the industry employs over 98,000 people directly and supports more than 728,000 jobs, contributing £16.1 billion in direct GVA and £46.2 billion overall. As Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP stated, UK shipping “is crucial to economic growth and opportunity,” facilitating trade, travel, and essential services. Around 100,000 vessels call at UK ports annually—one every five minutes. In 2024, shipping enabled £957.3 billion in UK trade, supporting over 140,000 exporters and 350,000 importers, while ports handled 434.9 million tonnes of cargo. Ferries serve 2.4 million people, and millions more travel through UK ports each year. Shipping jobs are 121.8% more productive and pay 20% more than average, with each role supporting six others. As Rhett Hatcher -CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping- noted, shipping is the “lifeblood of the UK economy.”

Since the Strait of Hormuz crisis, costs have surged, impacting Asia. 45.5 million need aid, 9.1 million more may face shortages. Countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal and Sri Lanka face immediate risks. One-third of fertiliser passes through the Strait, raising costs and disrupting planting, with UN FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) warnings of wider food risks.

The crisis is straining debt-burdened developing economies. In Afghanistan, logistics costs are up around 20%, with up to half of aid commodities at risk. In Myanmar, 90% fuel imports have led to rationing and restricted aid delivery. In Bangladesh, fuel limits, blackouts, and higher freight costs are disrupting energy access and supply chains.

Legal Impact

According to the United Nations (UN), 20,000 workers are stranded in the Strait. Key legal rights for seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz include:

  • Right to refuse sailing: Seafarers under ITF/IBF agreements can refuse to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf without disciplinary action or dismissal.
  • Right to repatriation: Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, they are entitled to repatriation at the shipowner’s expense if they do not proceed into a war zone.
  • Enhanced compensation: If they agree to sail, they receive 100% bonus pay and double compensation for injury or death.
  • Withdrawal of consent: They may withdraw consent and request repatriation if conditions become more dangerous.
  • Right to information: Shipowners must provide clear, timely risk information and may invoke war-risk clauses such as BIMCO CONWARTIME to avoid unsafe routes.
  • War Risks Clauses: Owners may invoke clauses in their contracts (such as BIMCO CONWARTIME) to refuse to sail to areas deemed unsafe.

Future Outlook

Overall, seafarers’ safety remains uncertain, with unclear future outcomes.