BIMCO has warned of escalating maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, citing vessel attacks, scam alerts, and renewed closure signals despite a US-Iran ceasefire, reports Athens's Safety4Sea.

Two weeks into the ceasefire, the strait is operating in a limited and unstable manner. Initial signs of reopening were quickly overshadowed by renewed closures, attacks on ships, and widespread course reversals. The International Maritime Organization is preparing a plan to evacuate around 800 vessels stranded in the corridor.

The International Transport Workers' Federation condemned the surge in attacks and seizures involving civilian shipping, urging all sides to stop using commercial vessels as tools of conflict. BIMCO's Jakob Larsen stated that reports of email scams demanding tolls from ships highlight the complexity of the situation.

Iran is blockading hostile ships, allowing only friendly or neutral vessels to transit via routes close to its coast. The US is enforcing a blockade from the Gulf of Oman, having attacked and detained one Iranian containership and forced others to turn back. Iran has detained two containerships and forced several abortive transits.

Mr. Larsen noted that while no crew injuries have been reported, it is concerning that ships and seafarers are being used as bargaining chips. BIMCO urged restraint and protection of innocent crews. He added that mine clearance would likely be needed before the strait can fully reopen, a process expected to take weeks.

The closure of an international strait violates international law and undermines freedom of navigation under UNCLOS. BIMCO warned that such actions disrupt global trade and threaten prosperity, while attacks on civilian vessels endanger seafarers who should never be treated as collateral in conflict.