London, United Kingdom. International Chamber of Shipping secretary-general Thomas Kazakos condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, warning they threaten shipping, global trade and seafarers.
Statement at IMO council meeting
Kazakos made the comments in a statement issued at the International Maritime Organisation’s 36th extraordinary council meeting. He said the attacks pose “an unacceptable threat” to the safety of international shipping, undermine the stability of global trade, and place “innocent seafarers at grave risk”.
Areas affected and impact on crews
The meeting addressed the impact on shipping and crews of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Kazakos said the attacks “have resulted in fatalities and caused serious injury to seafarers”, adding that around 20,000 remain trapped in the affected area. He warned that the longer the crisis endures, the greater the strain on crews, saying “stores begin to deplete, and bunkers reduce”.
Calls for coordinated action
Kazakos said industry is moving to provide support, while stressing that states must work together to ensure vessels can be resupplied and crews changed over safely and quickly to allow the continued safe operation of ships.
He called on relevant authorities to take “immediate and decisive measures” to guarantee safe and secure passage for affected vessels. He also said “the right to freedom of navigation is paramount and should be protected”, adding that efforts to safeguard shipping should be closely coordinated with the industry to ensure “practical, effective outcomes”.
Need for communication and collaboration
Kazakos said transparent communication and collaboration between governments, navies and industry will be essential to restore confidence and minimise risk.
What steps do you think governments and industry should prioritise to protect crews and maintain safe passage for commercial vessels?
