Arsenio Dominguez, the head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has highlighted that naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz will not provide a 100% guarantee of safety for ships trying to transit this critical area. In an interview with the 'Financial Times', he pointed out that military assistance is not a long-term or sustainable solution for ensuring safe passage through the strait, which is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, accounting for about 20% of the world's energy.

Currently, the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, which has resulted in rising energy prices and heightened inflation fears. The closure has disrupted logistics and supply chains, forcing companies to adapt quickly by redirecting vessels and transporting goods by land, all while attempting to prevent the spoilage of perishable products. Dominguez emphasized the urgency of finding more robust solutions to the complex challenges posed by the geopolitical tensions in the region.

The conflict at play has left stakeholders in the shipping industry feeling like collateral damage, as the circumstances of the crisis are not directly related to maritime transport. Dominguez’s comments resonate with the broader implications this situation has on global trade and economic stability, especially considering the indispensable role that safe maritime routes play in maintaining the flow of essential imports worldwide.