Shipping groups urge UN oppose Hormuz tolls

Eight major international shipping associations jointly urged the United Nations and the International — International Maritime Organization to oppose the introduction of compulsory tolls or service charges for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, the groups warned that such fees would undermine freedom of navigation, set a dangerous precedent for other international waterways, and increase shipping and energy costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty. The signatories included the United Arab Emirates — Dubai International Chamber, Norwegian Shipowners Association, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Cruise Lines International Association, European Community Shipowners Associations, INTERCARGO, International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, and the World Shipping Council. The letter followed reports that Iran and Oman had reached a preliminary understanding on nearly all issues regarding future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, including entry and exit routes, though Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said this does not mean the complete opening of the strait. Iran had established a de facto maritime toll booth after the US and Israel launched a war against the country in late February, formalized in May with the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. The IMO has confirmed 64 incidents and 17 deaths in the region since the conflict began, and at least 6,000 seafarers remain stranded. The shipping groups emphasized that seafarer safety and freedom of navigation should not be compromised during negotiations over regional security and conflict resolution.