Maritime groups urge UN and IMO to oppose Strait of Hormuz transit fees

Nicosia, Cyprus. Eight leading maritime associations have called on the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation to prevent compulsory tolls or service fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The joint letter, signed by the International Chamber of Shipping led by Cypriot secretary-general Thomas Kazakos and seven other industry bodies, was sent on Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

Industry concerns

The associations said the letter reiterated shipping industry concerns over proposals to charge vessels using one of the world’s most important international waterways.

It was co-signed by the Asian Shipowners’ Association, BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association, European Shipowners | ECSA, Intercargo, Intertanko, the International Chamber of Shipping and the World Shipping Council.

Safety and navigation

The groups said seafarers had been operating under heightened uncertainty since the beginning of the conflict, with some sustaining injuries and others losing their lives while working at sea.

“The safety of seafarers who make global trade possible should be non-negotiable,” the associations said, adding: “So too must be freedom of navigation.”

They said merchant ships must be able to navigate international waterways safely, predictably and without unnecessary impediment to support resilient supply chains, economic stability and energy security.

Warning over precedent

The associations said compulsory transit charges, or service fees that effectively function as tolls, would mark a significant departure from established international practice.

They warned that such measures could undermine the internationally recognised 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,” the associations said.

They added that any additional costs imposed on maritime transport would ultimately flow through international supply chains.