When Geopolitics Shapes the Claim: Casualty Response in a Conflict Environment

Executive Summary

Operating in the Middle East —particularly around the Strait of Hormuz—now involves heightened security uncertainty that can severely limit casualty response. Traditional assumptions about the availability of salvage, towage, firefighting, medevac, pollution response, port access and wreck removal may not hold true due to security risks, access restrictions and contractor reluctance, increasing delay and loss of control. Priorities remain crew welfare and environmental protection, but both are harder to achieve in conflict zones. Owners should mitigate risk through planning, drills, vigilant watchkeeping, early engagement with coastal states and responders including the Club, correspondents and ITOPF, and prompt incident notification. In response to the current situation, the Club has set up a specific resource page on the Steamship Mutual website which Members are encouraged to refer to - Situation in Iran and Middle East Region – and a dedicated team that can be contacted via [email protected].

Operations in the Middle East, including potential transits through the Strait of Hormuz, are conducted against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable security environment.  In such conditions, the consequences of any casualty are rarely confined to the incident itself; they may be significantly exacerbated by practical and operational constraints that may materially limit the ability to respond.

In an active high-risk area, long-standing assumptions regarding the availability of emergency response capabilities – whether salvage, towage, firefighting assistance, medical evacuation, pollution response, port access and wreck removal – may no longer be relied upon.

Security concerns may prevent contractors and responders from entering the area, while access may be restricted or prohibited by local, regional or military authorities. The result is potential uncertainty, delay, and a loss of control at the moment when usually quick action is required.

Voyages through high risk areas demand a realistic assessment not only of the likelihood of an incident, but of the possible limitations that may apply should one occur.

Recent incidents have shown that even support and salvage craft can themselves become targets. It was widely reported in early March that the tug Mussafah 2, responding in waters north of Oman to aid the disabled containership Safeen Prestige was itself subject to an attack. Steamship Mutual expresses its deep regret for the tragic loss of life that sadly resulted.

During the period of Houthis attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, there were reported incidents where vessels had to remain in exposed locations for extended periods, with limited ability to stabilise the situation.

Multiple issues arise when handling any casualty, however, the initial concerns will always be focused on the safety of people and the consequences for the environment.

Crew Safety and Welfare

The primary concern is always seafarers, their safety and physical and mental wellbeing. Leaving aside the risk of physical harm, serving in and transiting through high-risk areas can lead to prolonged exposure to stress, uncertainty and fatigue for seafarers. Vessel Owners will be familiar with the difficulties of ensuring that seafarers receive adequate rest and support. Steamship Mutual has a partnership with Mental Health Support Solutions, which gives all seafarers serving on entered vessels free access to a 24/7 helpline, manned by clinical psychologists who can provide valuable support to seafarers in many different languages during these uncertain times.

In the event of any incident, crew should move to protected internal spaces or designated safe areas.  If the incident has occurred due to third-party action directed towards the vessel then crew should avoid exposure to being on-deck save for truly essential reasons.

Environmental Consequences

The environmental consequences of any casualty are always amongst the primary concerns in dealing with the aftermath.  Containing or preventing environmental impacts is often much harder, or even impossible, in conflict zones.  Oil, bunkers, chemicals or other dangerous cargoes may continue to leak because of constraints on containment and clean up operations.

In confined waters such as the Strait of Hormuz, even a relatively limited spill would have the potential to escalate into prolonged and widespread pollution due to restricted access and delayed response.

Mitigating risks and challenges

Some of the challenges highlighted can potentially be mitigated by a proactive approach including:

• Clear planning and procedures, alongside a diligent system for continual crew training to ensure familiarity.
• Conducting regular and thorough security briefings with the crew.
• Ensuring crew undertake regular drills around casualty/incident response.
• Ensuring crew are properly rested.
• Maintaining enhanced vigilance and watch keeping, both visual and radar, whilst in a high-risk area.
• Keeping engines and firefighting or other damage control equipment ready.
• Monitoring for security status updates.
• Considering the recommendations contained in Vanguard-Tech’s Standing Advice: Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz (available below).
• Promptly notify the Club of any incident.
• Should an event occur Owners should consider early engagement with potentially affected states along with advisors, including engaging with ITOPF.

ITOPF exists to provide objective and scientific based technical advice worldwide to those involved in preparing and responding to accidental marine spills of oil, chemicals, hazardous substances and cargo. It operates on a not-for-profit basis, providing an emergency service to all relevant stakeholders.  ITOPF has responded on-site from its locations in London and Singapore to more than 860 ship-source spills in 100 countries and has provided remote advice on around a thousand more incidents.  ITOPF provides advice on clean-up measures, the effects of pollutants on the environment and economic activities, and on compensation. Its highly skilled international team is ready to assist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

ITOPF Managing Director, Oli Beavon, said: “ITOPF will always offer support to a member or associate in whatever way we can, on-site or remotely, if it is safe and legal to do so. All owned vessels insured with Steamship Mutual are entered with ITOPF as either members or associates.

“When contacted on our 24/7 incident notification number (44 20 7566 6998) a duty officer from our technical team will be able to give immediate advice. The initial questions we ask allow us to assess the type of assistance we can offer.

“In the case of the Strait of Hormuz and the current climate, it may not be safe to deploy ITOPF staff to the location to provide spill response advice. However, through our skills in mapping and modelling and our access to tools and contacts, we can assess the likely fate and behaviour of any oil, chemical, cargo or other substance, from any vessel type without needing to be on-site. Modelling is often enhanced using satellite imagery and information gained from our local contacts.”

From the Club’s perspective any casualty will inevitably give rise to a range of commercial and legal considerations. In complex operating environments, the handling of these matters may be influenced by a number of issues, including practical challenges around access and response. Furthermore, were an incident to occur in Iranian waters or involve potential parties that may be subject to international sanctions regimes, additional regulatory and sanctions related considerations may affect the ability to appoint service providers or settle claims, without at least seeking involvement of any relevant regulatory bodies.

Whilst recognising the challenges, the Club and its network of correspondents will do its best to respond to the fullest reasonable extent that is lawful and practically possible to support Members in the usual manner.

Conclusion

When operating in a high-risk war-affected area, the ultimate impact of a casualty will often be shaped by the practical realities of responding in such a challenging environment.

Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, should an incident occur Members may face practical, legal, environmental and commercial challenges that extend well beyond the initial casualty. Cleareyed preparation for these conditions is essential to informed decision-making and responsible risk oversight.