The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned of a growing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with around 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers currently stranded, highlighting the severe challenges faced by the global shipping industry.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told Al Jazeera that crews are under immense stress, facing fatigue and shortages of essential supplies as ships remain immobilized in the strategic waterway, reports Al Jazeera.

“The longer that those ships stay there, the longer that the crews continue to suffer mentally, physically, and operationally,” he said.

Dominguez also raised concerns over insurance coverage, noting that many companies have canceled contracts or imposed high premiums, leaving vessel operators vulnerable. He stressed that while a full humanitarian crisis has been averted so far due to international aid, the situation remains precarious.

The IMO is pushing for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for stranded vessels. Dominguez also criticized the US plan to escort ships through the strait, describing it as “unsustainable” because it cannot guarantee the safety of merchant vessels or seafarers amid ongoing regional tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, has become a flashpoint amid escalating geopolitical conflict, affecting shipping, trade, and the livelihoods of thousands of seafarers.