16/04/2026
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16/04/2026
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BERLIN, Apr 16: Germany’s largest shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has reported growing strain on its crews amid the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with around 150 sailors currently stranded aboard six vessels unable to pass through the strategic waterway.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Hapag-Lloyd spokesperson Nils Haupt described the situation as “difficult days and weeks” for the crew, noting that some sailors have been at sea for more than five weeks in what he described as a war-risk zone.
“Five and a half weeks in a war zone — that’s something relatively new. And of course, these are difficult days and weeks for our colleagues,” he said, adding that while some crew rotations have been possible, prolonged confinement has led to monotony on board and made maintaining morale a key challenge.
Haupt said the company remains in daily contact with ship captains and crews to monitor conditions and provide support, stressing the importance of sustaining team spirit during the disruption.
He added that modern satellite communications have helped sailors maintain contact with their families, easing some of the psychological strain during the prolonged delay.
