**Eight Shipping Associations Call on UN to Prevent Tolls in Strait of Hormuz**
In a significant move, eight prominent maritime associations have jointly appealed to the United Nations (UN) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to take action against the proposed introduction of compulsory tolls or service fees in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The open letter, which was dispatched on Monday, is spearheaded by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), under the leadership of Cypriot Secretary-General Thomas Kazakos.
The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as one of the world's most critical international waterways, facilitating a substantial portion of global oil and gas shipments. The letter was sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, emphasizing the shipping industry's growing concerns regarding the potential financial burdens that these tolls could impose on vessels navigating the strait.
The signatories of the letter include a diverse array of maritime organizations, such as the Asian Shipowners’ Association, BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association, European Shipowners (ECSA), Intercargo, Intertanko, and the World Shipping Council. Together, they expressed alarm over the implications of introducing transit charges, which they argue would represent a significant shift from established international maritime practices.
In their correspondence, the associations highlighted the heightened risks faced by seafarers operating in the region, particularly since the onset of recent conflicts. They noted that many crew members have experienced injuries, and some have even lost their lives while performing their duties at sea. The letter states, “The safety of seafarers who make global trade possible should be non-negotiable,” while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation.
The letter further articulates that the ability of merchant ships to navigate international waterways safely and without unnecessary impediments is essential for resilient supply chains, economic stability, and energy security. The associations warned that the introduction of mandatory tolls could not only disrupt global trade but also set a concerning precedent that might undermine the internationally recognized legal framework governing straits used for international navigation.
The potential financial implications of such tolls extend beyond the shipping industry, the associations cautioned. They explained that any additional costs imposed on maritime transport would ultimately affect international supply chains, leading to higher energy prices, increased inflation, and greater economic uncertainty. These repercussions could have a far-reaching impact on households and businesses around the globe, with the letter stating, “Ultimately, these impacts will carry a human cost, affecting livelihoods around the world.”
In light of these concerns, the maritime associations urged policymakers to safeguard internationally recognized navigation rights and ensure they are not compromised or leveraged in broader political negotiations. They expressed a willingness to collaborate with the IMO and the UN to uphold the long-established legal principles governing international straits, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The letter was co-signed by notable figures in the maritime sector, including Asian Shipowners’ Association Chairman Eleanor Keukura Roi, BIMCO Secretary-General David Loosley, Cruise Lines International Association President Bud Darr, ECSA Secretary-General Sotiris Raptis, and Intercargo Director Kostas Gkonis, among others. Together, they called on the UN and IMO to ensure that the legal principles protecting international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remain intact and unaltered.
As discussions on regional security and conflict resolution continue, the maritime associations remain vigilant, advocating for the essential principles of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers. Their joint letter underscores the critical importance of maintaining open and secure maritime routes, which are vital for global trade and economic stability.