Maritime experts are calling for the adoption of a coordinated global protocol to safeguard seafarers operating in conflict-prone regions, citing growing risks linked to the ongoing tensions at the Strait of Hormuz.
They argue that while existing international maritime law places responsibility on flag states to offer consular support to seafarers in distress, the lack of a unified global response framework continues to leave many exposed during geopolitical crises.
The call was made by Mr Inusah Awudu of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Mr Stanley Rajah Kwesi Ahorlu, President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, and Dr Evans Ago Tetteh, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization.
The three experts spoke during a media forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority under the theme “Trapped at Sea: The Human Cost of the Hormuz Crisis.”
They stressed the urgent need for international institutions to establish structured mechanisms for evacuating stranded seafarers, delivering humanitarian support, and ensuring their protection during periods of armed conflict or political instability.
The panel also acknowledged ongoing diplomatic efforts by global shipping organisations engaging Gulf States to de-escalate tensions and improve safety conditions along key maritime routes.
Beyond physical safety concerns, the experts highlighted the psychological toll on seafarers trapped in high-risk zones.
They noted that extended periods at sea under uncertain and restrictive conditions were contributing to severe mental health challenges, including anxiety and trauma.
According to the panel, discussions are already underway at the international level to incorporate mental health considerations into existing maritime safety conventions, reflecting a growing recognition of the human cost of such crises.
On the economic front, the experts warned that instability in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly disrupt global trade and energy markets.
The vital shipping corridor handles roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply and about 19 per cent of global gas shipments, while also serving as a key route for fertiliser and automobile transport.
Any sustained disruption, they cautioned, could have serious consequences for economies heavily reliant on energy imports and agricultural inputs, particularly in developing regions.
The experts concluded that while the economic stakes remain high, the safety and welfare of seafarers must be prioritised, especially as they continue to navigate some of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors amid rising geopolitical tensions.
