As the Iranian government announced it is to close the Strait of Hormuz the world’s maritime industry has reacted with dismay and begun to reroute vessels.

Reports that several seafarers have been injured in attacks in vessels traversing the strait, though which 20% of the world’s oil is transited, have seen maritime  leaders call for crews to be protected.

In a statement the International Chamber of Shipping, European Shipowners/ESCA and the Asian Shipowners’ Association said any vessels in the area needed to assess the risks to vessel and seafarers.

“Our foremost concern is for the wellbeing of the seafarers and civilians affected,” it stated. “We were deeply concerned to learn about the attacks on seafarers and the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.

“All parties must take all necessary steps to safeguard the safety of seafarers who are simply going about their job and have found themselves, through no fault of their own, in a highly volatile situation.

“This is a fast moving and unpredictable situation. It is crucial the entire industry only relies on verified information from trusted sources.

“We strongly urge all ships operating in the region to conduct thorough risk assessments and to maintain vigilance in line with the latest BMP (Best Management Practices) Maritime Security guidelines. Ship operators should continue to monitor and act upon updates issued by official state channels.”

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Arsenio Dominguez said caution was now the watchword.

“I am deeply concerned by reports that several seafarers have been injured in attacks on merchant vessels,” he added. “No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified. These crews are simply doing their jobs and must be protected from the effects of wider geopolitical tensions.

“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law, and it must be respected by all Parties, with no exception.

“I am monitoring the situation closely, and I urge all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution. Where possible, vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve.”

Dominguez continued: “I also call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making navigational decisions.

“My thoughts are with the injured seafarers and their families. Their safety and welfare are our highest priority, and the IMO will continue working closely with Member States and partners to support safe navigation and to uphold the principle that civilian mariners must never be harmed.”

Maritime union Nautilus International’s general secretary Mark Dickinson said the lives of crew had to be the most pressing issue.

“Seafarers are not expendable, and they must not be treated as collateral damage in regional or international conflicts,” he explained. “The current situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz represents a serious escalation in risk for the men and women working at sea, many of whom are simply trying to do their jobs and return home safely. Their safety must come first, and that means clear information, robust protections, and the unequivocal right to refuse to sail into warlike or unsafe zones without fear of penalty.”

On leading insurance broker has said the situation will see insurers hike premiums for vessels in the area should they choose to remain or transit the routes.

Dylan Mortimer, Marine Hull UK War leader, at Marsh said: “The primary risks centre on the Persian and Arabian Gulf, particularly the threat of vessel boarding and seizure by Iranian forces and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It is very early to tell at this point, but we would estimate that near-term rate increases for Marine Hull insurance in the Gulf could range from 25 to 50 percent, barring any direct attack on Merchant shipping, which could have major repercussions across war insurance rates. Given the military build-up in the region, crew are far more likely to be concerned than they might have been to previous risks. The situation remains very fluid, requiring ongoing attention.”

Shipping giants have moved quickly to say they will avoid the area.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are two  companies who have said they will reroute transits around southern Africa rater than risk using the Strait and the Suez Canal

“Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided – in close coordination with our security partners – to pause future Trans Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being,” Maersk said in a statement. “The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all needed actions. We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and will continue to keep them updated on the situation.”

A statement from Hapag-Lloyd added: “Due to the conflict in the Middle East and the official closure of the Strait of Hormuz by relevant authorities amid the evolving security situation in the region, Hapag-Lloyd is suspending all vessel transits through the waterway until further notice.

“The safety and security of our crews, vessels, and your cargo remain our highest priority. This measure is therefore not discretionary but a necessary response to the current conditions and regulatory restrictions. We are closely monitoring developments, which are very fluid, and remain in continuous contact with authorities and security partners.”