Global shipping groups urge UN and IMO to reject Strait of Hormuz tolls

August 6 ------ An international coalition of shipping associations has urged the United Nations (UN) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to oppose the introduction of compulsory transit tolls or service charges in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such measures would undermine the principle of freedom of navigation.

In a joint letter directed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, the industry bodies reiterated their concerns over proposals to impose tolls or service fees on vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

The associations said seafarers have been operating under heightened security risks since the outbreak of the regional conflict, noting that some have been injured or killed while carrying out their duties. Against this backdrop, they argued that imposing additional transit charges would place a further burden on global shipping while jeopardizing long-established principles governing international navigation.

The signatories include: Asian Shipowners Association (ASA), BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), European Shipowners | ECSA, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, World Shipping Council (WSC).

"The safety of seafarers who make global trade possible should be non-negotiable. So too must be freedom of navigation. The ability of merchant ships to navigate international waterways safely, predictably and without unnecessary impediment is fundamental to resilient supply chains, economic stability and energy security."

As highlighted, introducing compulsory charges for transit, or service fees that are a toll in all but name, through the Strait of Hormuz would represent a significant departure from established international practice.

Beyond the immediate financial implications for global trade, it would establish a precedent that could undermine the internationally recognized legal framework governing straits used for international navigation and transit passage.

Once such a precedent is established, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist similar measures elsewhere, creating uncertainty for international shipping and global commerce. Furthermore, any additional costs imposed on maritime transport inevitably flow through international supply chains. These consequences extend beyond shipping costs, contributing to higher energy prices, higher inflation, and higher economic uncertainty.

Ultimately, the shipping bodies note that these impacts will carry a human cost, affecting livelihoods around the world. Freedom of navigation is vital to maintaining the foundation of international maritime governance.

As discussions regarding regional security and conflict resolution take place, we must ensure that internationally recognized rights of navigation are not compromised or used as part of broader political negotiations. "We stand ready to work with the International Maritime Organization and the wider United Nations to ensure that long-established legal principles governing international straits, that are protected under international law, most notably through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), are not weakened or altered," the letter concludes.

Source: safety4sea.com