The global shipping industry is facing mounting disruption as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz leave thousands of vessels and crew unable to move, the head of the International Maritime Organisation has said.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez revealed that around 2,000 ships and nearly 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in and around the vital maritime corridor.

Describing the situation as “quite a challenge,” Dominguez said the prolonged standoff is taking a serious toll on crews, who are facing mounting stress, fatigue, and dwindling onboard supplies.

“The longer those ships remain there, the greater the strain on seafarers, both mentally and physically, as well as on essential resources needed for operations,” he said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

He also highlighted growing concerns within the shipping industry, noting that insurance companies are increasingly unwilling to cover risk.

Many firms have either withdrawn coverage or imposed steep premium hikes.

Despite the worsening conditions, Dominguez said a humanitarian crisis has so far been avoided due to assistance provided by countries bordering the strait.

He added that the IMO is advocating for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for stranded vessels.

Commenting on proposals by Donald Trump to deploy escorts for ships navigating the strait, Dominguez warned that such measures would be “unsustainable,” citing the absence of guarantees against attacks and the continued risk to civilian seafarers.