Shipping groups urge UN to oppose Hormuz tolls

Eight major international shipping associations on Wednesday urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to oppose compulsory tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such fees would undermine freedom of navigation and damage the global economy. The joint open letter, sent Monday and published by the International Chamber of Shipping, stated that "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."

The signatories cautioned that allowing such charges could create a precedent for similar measures in other international waterways and weaken the internationally recognized legal framework governing transit passage. Additional maritime transportation costs would spread through international supply chains, contributing to higher shipping and energy prices, inflation, and economic uncertainty, they added.

Safety and signatories

The groups also emphasized that seafarer safety and freedom of navigation should not be compromised during negotiations over regional security and conflict resolution. The letter was signed by the Asian Shipowners' Association, BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association, European Shipowners, International Chamber of Shipping, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and the World Shipping Council.

Iran-Oman preliminary deal

The letter came after Iran and Oman reached a preliminary understanding on Wednesday on nearly all issues regarding future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said a final understanding is "on the verge of being finalized," according to Iran's state-run IRNA.

The understanding includes the location of entry and exit routes for maritime traffic, Gharibabadi said, adding that "this 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," he noted.

IMO position

The IMO Council stated in July that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of tolls and charges under international law. It also 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.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage connecting the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and global markets, making disruptions to commercial traffic a major risk for international energy supplies and trade.