As the International Maritime Organisation has been forced to halt its efforts to evacuate thousands of seafarers trapped in vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, insurers have launched a new cover for those who are left ashore.

The IMO announced its efforts to evacuate those in vessels which have been stranded for months due to the blockade of the Strait renewed attacks in vessels have brought efforts to a halt.

In a statement IMO secretary general, Arsenio Dominguez said:  “Following the launch of the IMO’s evacuation plan, through which several vessels have already been successfully evacuated, I have decided to temporarily pause its implementation in order to reconfirm that the necessary safety guarantees continue to be in place for the ships on our evacuation list and all those in the region.

“I have been informed of an attack in the Gulf of Oman on a vessel which passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This vessel did not transit under IMO’s evacuation framework. I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount. Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained.”

It comes as broker Howden announced the launch of SAFER at Home (SAFER – Seafarers and Families Enhanced Resilience), a new solution designed to protect seafarers and their families during periods off contract when they are not employed at sea.

It added: “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade. They are the 1.89 million men and women who crew the vessels carrying over 90% of the world’s goods, yet many remain uninsured when at home between assignments. Howden SAFER at Home addresses this gap, extending affordable healthcare protection beyond time at sea and supporting the wellbeing of both seafarers and their families.”

As a basic, the product offers accessible hospitalisation cover, designed for shipping companies to purchase on behalf of their seafarers, supporting retention strategies while strengthening employee value propositions in a competitive global labour market. Additional enhanced benefits can be tailored as per individual Client’s requirements.

Developed in partnership with UK-based Crewsure and supporting the Mission to Seafarers, the solution brings together insurance expertise with a global welfare network. The Mission to Seafarers operates in around 50 countries and more than 200 ports, providing frontline support including chaplaincy, helplines and wellbeing services for seafarers and family members globally.

Danny Whiteside, global practice leader for marine, cargo & logistics commented: “Seafarers dedicate their lives to keeping global trade moving, yet too often they and their families are left exposed when they are on leave. SAFER at Home closes that gap, providing peace of mind not just to seafarers, but to the families they support. By combining affordability, meaningful coverage and a strong social purpose, we are setting a new standard for how the industry looks after its people.”