Eight major international shipping associations have urged the United Nations to oppose the introduction of compulsory tolls or service charges for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime passage connecting the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and global markets.
The joint open letter, which was sent on Monday and published on Wednesday by the International Chamber of Shipping, was addressed to UN chief Antonio Guterres and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
The shipping associations warned that compulsory charges in the Strait of Hormuz would undermine freedom of navigation and damage the global economy.
Introducing compulsory charges or service fees would represent a 'significant departure from established international practice.'
The signatories of the letter include the Asian Shipowners’ Association, BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association, European Shipowners, International Chamber of Shipping, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and the World Shipping Council.
Economic and legal concerns
The associations warned that additional maritime transportation costs could contribute to higher shipping and energy prices, inflation, and economic uncertainty.
They also stated that allowing such charges could create a precedent for similar measures in other international waterways and weaken the legal framework governing transit passage.
Furthermore, the associations emphasized that seafarer safety and freedom of navigation should not be compromised during negotiations regarding conflict resolution and regional security.
Regional developments
In a related development, Iran and Oman reached a preliminary understanding on Wednesday regarding future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the understanding includes the location of entry and exit routes for maritime traffic.
A final understanding is 'on the verge of being finalized.'
The understanding... does not mean the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
It represents 'rather a new and different model from the past 60-year practice.'
In July, the IMO Council said that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of tolls and charges under international law.
The IMO Council stressed that any arrangement between regional coastal states must guarantee the non-discriminatory and unimpeded transit of all ships through the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme.
