Stena Impero: Managing a Seized Tanker Crisis
A UK-flagged ship and its crew were seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Straits of Hormuz, in contravention of international law. Woodrow was alerted four hours before the news went public. We were tasked with readying and handling communications for the UK shipping industry just as the story exploded across the global media - a crisis with no precedent, unfolding in real time, with the eyes of the world about to descend.
Impact
The UK Chamber of Shipping featured across the world's most prestigious broadcast and print slots. From CNN to the front pages of international newspapers, the UK Chamber emerged as a calm, considered voice under immense pressure. The professionalism and control we brought to a volatile situation meant the industry's response was authoritative from the start. Following months of negotiation, the Stena Impero and her crew were released safely.
Approach
Understanding the scale of what was coming, we set up a 24/7 crisis press office and assembled a team to manage incoming media. We worked with the Royal Navy and UK Government to align on approach and set up communication channels. Within hours, reactive messaging was in place, talking points rehearsed and spokespeople readied. We handled media enquiries, prioritising channels and media training the key spokesperson, and ensured all major news channels used us as the main conduit, keeping our press operations organised under extreme pressure.
