The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued a strong statement at the International Maritime Organization’s 36th Extraordinary Council Meeting (C/ES 36) regarding attacks on commercial vessels in the Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman, and Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.
ICS Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos condemned the assaults, calling them an “unacceptable threat” to international shipping and global trade. He highlighted that the attacks have caused fatalities, serious injuries, and left approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded in the affected waters.
The ICS urged governments to:
-
Ensure safe passage for all vessels and uphold the right to freedom of navigation.
-
Facilitate crew changes and resupply operations to maintain safe vessel operations.
-
Coordinate with industry and navies for effective, transparent solutions.
Kazakos emphasized that urgent de-escalation is critical to protect seafarers, safeguard global supply chains, and stabilize international commerce.
