Arabic version: بحارة يأملون في إعادة فتح مضيق هرمز بعد اتفاق أمريكي إيراني
Seafarers’ advocates have cautiously welcomed a tentative deal to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, expressing hope that some 20,000 stranded crew members will soon be able to return home. According to Al Jazeera, President Donald Trump announced that the strait will reopen on Friday, coinciding with Iran’s decision to lift its “toll booth” system and the US ending its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
International Chamber of Shipping Secretary-General Thomas Kazakos expressed relief over the announcement, emphasizing that the safe departure of maritime workers must be prioritized. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that while the announcement is a positive step, ensuring safety will take time.
Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the plight of thousands of Indian sailors stranded in the region. The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) has indicated plans to begin evacuating these seafarers, but Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that safety guarantees must be established first.
Currently, about 500 ships are waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that has seen significant conflict. The IMO reports that both Iran and the US have conducted 46 known attacks on international shipping lines during the conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 seafarers. Additionally, Iran has laid sea mines in the strait, which remain to be cleared by minesweepers.
Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, cautioned that despite the optimism, it will take time for seafarers to feel secure in the waterway. He emphasized that the reopening is not simply a matter of policy declaration but involves a complex assessment of risks and trust among various stakeholders in maritime operations. Jones pointed out that consistent peace, threat reduction, and reliable communication are essential for restoring confidence among seafarers and shipping companies alike.
