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ening commercial shipping. Meanwhile, the Soviet%u2013Afghan War contributed to regional instability, affecting trade routes and global politics.Post-Cold War instability (1990s): The Gulf War disrupted oil exports and maritime operations in the Middle East. Similarly, the Yugoslav Wars affected shipping and port operations across Europe. Economic sanctions and blockades became common tools, complicating maritime logistics.The War on Terror and Middle East conflicts (2000s): After the September 11 attacks, global shipping faced stricter security regulations. The Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan influenced energy supply chains and maritime security operations worldwide.Piracy and maritime security threats (2000s%u20132010s): Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden posed a serious threat to commercial vessels. Ships were hijacked, crews were taken hostage, and shipping lanes became high-risk zones. This period highlighted the vulnerability of maritime trade to non-state actors.Recent conflicts (2010s%u20132020s): The Syrian Civil War and the Russia-Ukraine War disrupted grain, energy, and commodity flows. The Black Sea region became particularly sensitive, affecting global food security.The 2026 Iran crisis and the Strait of Hormuz: A major recent escalation is the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, which has become one of the most significant maritime disruptions in modern history.Following military strikes by the United States and Israel in February 2026, Iran retaliated by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz %u2014 one of the world%u2019s most critical maritime chokepoints. This narrow passage normally carries around 20% of global oil and gas shipments. The consequences were immediate and severe:%u2022 Tanker traffic dropped dramatically, in some periods close to zero.%u2022 Over 150 ships were forced to anchor outside the strait to avoid attacks. %u2022 At least 16 merchant vessels were damaged, and seafarers were killed or reported missing.%u2022 Global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, triggering economic instability (Reuters, Guardian, New York Post).Recent developments show that:%u2022 Iran restricted passage, allowing only selected vessels under strict conditions.%u2022 Shipping traffic declined to as low as 5% of normal levels. %u2022 Oil prices surged due to supply fears and geopolitical uncertainty. %u2022 The crisis created the largest energy supply disruption since the 1970s.Despite these extreme conditions, maritime trade did not completely stop; it adapted.Across all these crises, maritime trade has faced recurring challenges:%u2022 Closure or restriction of strategic chokepoints (e.g., Hormuz, Suez, Black Sea)%u2022 Increased insurance costs and operational risks%u2022 Sanctions limiting cargo and vessel movements%u2022 Delays, rerouting, and supply chain disruptions%u2022 Direct attacks on merchant vesselsYet, global trade has continued, largely due to the maritime workforce. Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, particularly during crises.One of the most serious risks is the threat of physical harm. In conflict zones such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Black Sea, vessels may be exposed to missile strikes, naval mines, drone attacks, or armed boarding. Unlike military personnel, seafarers are civilians, often with limited means of defence. Even with naval escorts, the unpredictability of conflict makes every transit a high-risk operation.Operating under constant threat significantly impacts mental health. Seafarers may experience anxiety, fear, and chronic stress, particularly when navigating highrisk areas or hearing reports of attacks on nearby vessels. Long periods of uncertainty, combined with isolation at sea, can lead to burnout, depression, and reduced concentration %u2014 factors that can further increase safety risks.Geopolitical crises often lead to port closures, rerouting, or restrictions on crew changes. As a result, seafarers may be forced to remain on board far beyond their contracted periods. This was widely observed during crises when access to From the Cold War era to the present-day Iran crisis, geopolitical instability has consistently tested the resilience of global trade. The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis stands as one of the most severe maritime disruptions in modern history, demonstrating how fragile - and yet adaptable - the global shipping system is.Horizon from the bridge260 NX