Dutch crews fear for safety as Middle East conflict traps ships in Persian Gulf

Dutch seafarers aboard ships in the Persian Gulf are feeling unsafe due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, officials said Sunday. Annet Koster, director of the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR), told the television program WNL Op Zondag that a small fleet of about 100 Dutch ships is currently operating in the area. These vessels carry more than 500 crew members, including 100 Dutch nationals.

Asked whether the crews are safe, Koster said, “I cannot give any guarantees. Rockets are flying over. Many of the ships there are work vessels, work and offshore ships. They are simply doing their jobs. And that is also good, because it distracts from everything. Does the entire crew feel safe? No. You see rockets and drones flying over. And you are trapped. I think that is something we find hard to grasp here; because the Strait of Hormuz is de facto closed, you are stuck in the Persian Gulf. I think that is frightening.”

Despite the conflict, some vessels are still transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Koster said these are mainly Iranian-affiliated ships or part of shadow fleets that transport oil for countries like Russia. She added that a few Greek shipping companies are taking the risk and sailing through the strait, but she strongly advised against it due to the heightened dangers posed by the ongoing conflict and potential threats to their vessels. “I would never recommend that to my members,” she said.

On Thursday, the Netherlands and several allies pledged to contribute to “appropriate efforts” to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that launching a mission in the strait is currently too risky due to the heightened tensions in the region and the potential for conflict with hostile forces.