Members are advised that ongoing military hostilities in the Gulf region, including escalatory strikes and threats affecting the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, including in particular the wider Persian Gulf, are creating a significantly heightened risk environment for commercial shipping and related activities. Several vessels have been attacked (including the SKYLIGHT, MKDVYOM and HERCULES STAR), and the JMIC (Joint Maritime Information Centre) has raised the maritime risk level in the Strait of Hormuz to ‘critical’, which denotes almost certain attacks.

This is an ongoing and developing situation. In light of these events, Members are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Club’s Forward Defence Guide on War Risks Clauses in Charter Parties, available here:
https://www.swedishclub.com/uploads/2025/07/Forward-Defence-War-risks-clauses-in-charter-parties.pdf

This Guide explains the function and application of contractual war risks clauses such as BIMCO’s VOYWAR 2025andCONWARTIME 2025, and highlights key considerations for owners and charterers when entering into or managing charterparties in areas exposed to war risks.  

The contractual war risks framework is separate and parallel to the Masters’ overriding obligation to the safety of the ship and crew under SOLAS.

Members are invited to review their contractual arrangements along the charter and supply chain and to stay up to date as the situation developments. In particular, Members are further invited to consider carefully before contracting on terms which necessitate passing through the affected areas, in light of the known risks involved.

Should you have questions or require further support interpreting clauses in the context of your operations, please contact your usual FD&D claim handlers at the Club.