Berlin: Germany’s largest shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, has said it is feeling the impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with around 150 sailors stranded on six of its vessels.

Speaking to The Associated Press, company spokesperson Nils Haupt said the crews have been stuck for several weeks in what he described as a “war zone” environment.

“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,” Haupt said.

ALSO READ | ‘Ghost Ships’ emerge in Hormuz: How Iran-linked vessels test US blockade limits

He added that while some crew rotations had been possible, prolonged periods at sea were taking a toll on morale.

“We’ve been able to rotate some of them in the meantime, but you can easily imagine that after such a long time, monotony naturally sets in on board. The most important thing now is to maintain team spirit,” he said.

ALSO READ | ‘We will block it all’: Iran to block Gulf routes if US continues port blockade

The company said it remains in daily contact with captains and crew members, checking on their well-being and providing support wherever possible.

Haupt also noted that modern satellite communications have helped sailors stay in touch with their families despite the difficult conditions.