An international coalition of shipping trade associations has urged UN Secretary General António Guterres and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez to reject any proposed tolls or service fees in the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasize the critical importance of maintaining safety for seafarers, who have faced increased risks since the onset of regional conflicts, with some suffering injuries or fatalities.
The letter highlights that freedom of navigation is essential for secure and resilient supply chains, economic stability, and energy security. The introduction of mandatory transit charges in the Strait would disrupt established international practices and could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to similar measures in other regions. This would create uncertainty for global shipping and commerce.
Moreover, any added costs to maritime transport would ripple through international supply chains, resulting in higher energy prices, inflation, and economic instability. The letter stresses that these economic impacts will affect livelihoods worldwide, underscoring the need to uphold freedom of navigation as a cornerstone of international maritime governance.
As discussions on regional security progress, the coalition insists that recognized navigation rights must not be compromised. They are committed to collaborating with the IMO and the UN to uphold the legal principles of international straits outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
