The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has cast a long shadow over the maritime industry, compelling stakeholders to confront unprecedented challenges. With Israel initiating a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military installations, and key commanders, the situation has escalated into a high-stakes confrontation. Explosions at Iran’s uranium enrichment facility in Natanz and widespread retaliatory preparations have heightened tensions, closing the airspaces of Iran, Iraq, and Israel.
This volatile environment has profound implications for global shipping. Vessels transiting critical waterways such as the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz are advised to implement heightened security measures, including the BMP MS (March 2025 edition) protocols. The potential for collateral damage, GPS interference, and AIS spoofing has necessitated reliance on non-GNSS navigational techniques and meticulous contingency planning.
Capt. Shiv Halbe, CEO, Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) highlighted the complexity of these challenges, stating, “The first thing such an event brings is a lot of uncertainty. The uncertainty comes from a lot of factors—it’s not just the security part of it. It’s about the uncertainty of movement, ships carrying Iranian cargo, and whether they should go to Iran or not. These are both legal and operational questions.”
Shipowners are grappling with a precarious balance between securing business opportunities and safeguarding their assets. As Capt. Halbe noted, “Shipowners face a dilemma—they want the business but don’t want to put their ships at risk. These challenges don’t necessarily have clear answers.”
For Indian seafarers, the implications are deeply personal. Capt Rajesh Tandon, CEO, Foreign Owner and Ship-Managers Association (FOSMA) expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by crews navigating these high-risk zones. “The biggest impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on Indian seafarers is the uncertainty it creates. Seafarers are naturally concerned about their safety when transiting through high-risk areas, and this directly affects their willingness to accept assignments.”
The need for proactive measures by Indian shipping companies is more pressing than ever. Capt. Tandon emphasized, “Indian shipping companies need to be proactive in addressing crew concerns by offering war-zone allowances and implementing enhanced safety measures to mitigate risks in conflict zones.”
While historical patterns suggest that disruptions to maritime operations may remain contained, the risk of miscalculation or collateral damage cannot be discounted. Low-key actions such as vessel seizures could exacerbate tensions, impacting regional and global trade stability.
As stakeholders brace for prolonged uncertainty, collaboration, vigilance, and adaptability will be essential to navigate these turbulent times. The maritime industry’s resilience will be tested, and its response will define its role in preserving the lifelines of global commerce amidst geopolitical storms.
Marex Media