**Kazakos Calls for End to Attacks on Commercial Vessels in Strait of Hormuz**
Cypriot shipping executive Thomas Kazakos, who serves as Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), has issued a strong plea for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks come in the wake of a recent incident that resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer and injuries to eight others, four of whom sustained serious injuries. This attack involved two Emirati oil tankers, the Mombasa B and Al Bahyah, which were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while operating in Omani territorial waters.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, asserting that the tankers had ignored repeated warnings. The attacks caused significant damage to the vessels and ignited fires onboard, although these fires were later brought under control. Kazakos expressed deep concern over the safety of seafarers, stating, “once again seafarers have, through no fault of their own, been placed in harm’s way and sadly another seafarer has lost their life.” He condemned the “unjustified attacks on commercial shipping” and called for an end to such violence.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor, with approximately 20 million barrels of oil passing through it daily, accounting for about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption and over a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade. Additionally, around one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade flows through this vital waterway, primarily from Qatar. The region has seen heightened tensions and volatility since February 28, leading to a significant decline in tanker and gas carrier traffic as shipowners reassess the risks associated with operating in these waters.
Kazakos also addressed the potential imposition of charges and restrictions on vessels passing through the Strait, particularly in light of recent comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping. Trump proposed a 20% charge on cargo transiting the Strait in exchange for US protection. Kazakos firmly rejected these suggestions, emphasizing that the principle of freedom of navigation should not be compromised during times of conflict. He stated, “there is no legal mechanism by which a toll or restrictions can be placed on vessels passing through the strait,” urging nations to uphold fundamental maritime law.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has echoed Kazakos's sentiments, reaffirming that passage through the Strait must remain free from tolls and charges under international law. The IMO Council has emphasized that any arrangements made by regional states must ensure the non-discriminatory and unimpeded right of transit passage for all vessels utilizing the internationally recognized shipping lanes.
As the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve, Kazakos concluded his statement by calling for a collective focus on restoring safe and unhindered passage for vessels. He stated, “everyone must now focus on a permanent return to vessels being able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz unimpeded without paying a toll or other clearance mechanism.”
The ongoing instability in the region has left hundreds of ships and approximately 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the significant human and commercial repercussions of the current geopolitical tensions. As the international community grapples with these challenges, the safety of seafarers and the integrity of global trade routes remain paramount concerns.