ICS urges UN to protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz — Cyprus Mail
International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Thomas Kazakos, speaking at an Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, United States, called for protecting the free passage of commercial vessels through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that commercial ships and seafarers must not become hostages to geopolitical disputes.
The meeting was convened by Bahrain and chaired by the country’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani. The discussion focused on the deteriorating maritime security situation, primarily in the Persian Gulf, Cyprus Mail reports.
Demand for free transit
Kazakos said that rules for navigation through international waterways cannot change depending on political circumstances. According to him, safe and predictable navigation without unjustified obstacles is important both for international maritime law and global trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most acute security concerns for the shipping industry because of risks to crews and the route’s importance for transporting energy resources and goods. According to data cited by Kazakos, about one quarter of global seaborne oil trade passes through the strait, along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers.
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The International Chamber of Shipping opposes the introduction of mandatory levies, payments or other restrictions for commercial vessels in the strait. The organization believes that such measures could increase transport and energy costs, disrupt supply chains and create a precedent for other international straits.
Attacks on commercial vessels
The International Maritime Organization reported this week that it had confirmed 80 attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region since the start of the Middle East conflict on February 28. At least 22 seafarers have been killed, while others were injured.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on member states to stop actions that create danger for commercial vessels. Kazakos, for his part, stressed that seafarers transport food, energy, medicines, raw materials and other essential goods, while remaining civilians who are not parties to geopolitical conflicts.
