The risk of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains high.

London, October 17th, Xinhua News Agency: The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Asensio Dominguez, recently gave an exclusive interview to Xinhua News Agency reporters, stating that the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas has continued to deteriorate, and the risks for ships' passage remain high. Shipping should not be used as a pressure tool in conflicts.

Dominguez said that the recommendations repeatedly proposed by the International Maritime Organization in the past few months have not changed: Ships should avoid passing through the Strait of Hormuz, avoid conducting trade activities in the relevant areas, and take measures to protect seafarers, ships, and the marine environment.

According to data published on the International Maritime Organization's official website, in recent times, incidents of ships being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas have occurred one after another, and the security situation has continued to deteriorate. From October 5th to 11th, 12 incidents of ships being attacked were reported in the Strait and surrounding areas, the highest single-week figure since the US-Israel-Iran conflict broke out at the end of February. On October 11th alone, 6 ships were attacked.

Dominguez said that since the outbreak of the conflict, more than 110 ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas, at least 24 seafarers have died, and some others are missing or seriously injured. Recent attacks have also caused ships to sink.

He emphasized that the relevant rights and interests of seafarers must be protected, and they have the right to refuse to pass through dangerous areas. The International Maritime Organization has been working to provide support to about 6,000 seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas. The International Maritime Organization is reviewing the risk assessment rules and guidance documents for ships entering conflict areas or high-risk areas, and maintaining communication with shipowners, ship operators, and seafarers' representatives to study how to better ensure seafarers' access to necessary supplies and related support.

Dominguez said that the impact of geopolitical conflicts on global shipping has an external effect, pushing up insurance, fuel, freight, and other costs, and disrupting the stability of the global supply chain. Only by addressing the root causes of the crisis can the shipping safety in the region be restored. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy transportation route, with approximately 30% of global maritime crude oil transported through this strait.

Source: *Xinhua News Agency Official Account*