The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict and the volatile situation in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz have intensified scrutiny of maritime risk zones. While the industry addresses insurance implications and routing strategies, a less discussed but critical concern lies in employment law and crew welfare.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has called for seafarers to have the right to refuse work transits through high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz. This raises key legal questions for shipowners and charterers under employment contracts, particularly regarding the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) obligations, flag state requirements, and ITF Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).