Strait of Hormuz Tensions Highlight Need to Put Seafarer Welfare at the Centre of Contingency Planning

As a peace agreement helps ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and reduces immediate concerns over disruption to maritime operations, AVS Global Ship Supply is urging the industry not to lose sight of a key lesson from recent events: the wellbeing of the seafarers working onboard vessels operating in the region must remain a priority.

While the agreement has brought some welcome stability to one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, AVS warns that the uncertainty experienced over recent weeks has served as a timely reminder of the challenges faced by crews during periods of geopolitical instability and the importance of ensuring their welfare needs are consistently met.

“Everybody has been talking about cargoes, vessels and commercial impacts, but the people most affected by these disruptions are often the crews onboard,” said Doğukan Şimşek, General Manager for AVS Global Ship Supply. “While it is encouraging to see tensions easing, the recent situation has reminded the industry how dependent global trade is on seafarers and why their welfare must never be overlooked.”

Throughout the period of heightened tensions, vessels operating within the Gulf region have faced uncertainty as security concerns, route disruptions and rising operational costs affected normal trading patterns. For crews onboard, however, access to essential provisions, fresh water, safety equipment and welfare support remained critical.

“The most important thing is ensuring that seafarers’ fundamental needs are met,” added Mr Şimşek. “Whether tensions are rising or beginning to ease, crews still need food, clean water, protective equipment and support. Recent events have shown how important it is for the industry to have robust systems in place to ensure seafarers are looked after during times of uncertainty.”

AVS Global Ship Supply has strengthened collaboration with suppliers and business partners across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, to help maintain access to essential provisions and support services for vessels operating in affected areas.

According to Mr Şimşek, the company’s established relationships with experienced local suppliers have helped minimise major disruptions despite heightened regional tensions, with most challenges relating to delays, rising costs and the sourcing of specialist items rather than shortages of essential provisions.

“We have remained in close contact with our suppliers throughout the situation. Our local suppliers and vendors are highly experienced and professional, and vessels continue to access the essential provisions they needed,” explained Mr Şimşek.

Alongside maintaining supply continuity, AVS Global Ship Supply continues to focus on practical measures designed to support crew welfare. These include catering management services, guidance and training on reducing food waste and maximising available resources onboard, access to culinary consultants, and dedicated wellbeing support aimed at helping seafarers remain connected and supported while operating in challenging conditions.

“Taking care of crews is not just about supplying food. It is also about ensuring seafarers feel supported and connected during difficult times,” said Mr Şimşek. “Recent events have reinforced the importance of putting people at the centre of our response. The industry has a responsibility to ensure seafarers have the resources and support they need, whatever challenges arise.”

The company notes that while the interim peace agreement has helped reduce some immediate uncertainty, wider supply chain pressures continue to affect vessel operators across the region. The recent situation has demonstrated how quickly maritime operations can be impacted by geopolitical developments and the importance of preparedness across the supply chain.

Looking ahead, AVS Global Ship Supply believes the maritime industry should use the lessons learned from recent events to strengthen its focus on crew welfare and resilience and is calling on it to place seafarer wellbeing at the centre of contingency planning and operational decision-making, ensuring those who keep global trade moving receive the support they need when uncertainty arises.