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Statement from the International Chamber of Shipping related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Responding to the announcement surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ICS Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos said:

“This development offers a cautious measure of reassurance to the global maritime community and, most importantly, to the seafarers who have been placed in harm’s way and confined on board their vessels for more than seven weeks.

While this announcement is a positive step there is still much uncertainty around what it means in practice. Regardless it is essential that it marks the beginning of a broader and more durable return, beyond the current ceasefire, to freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

An orderly and sustained return to normal transit through the Strait will be essential. This will require close coordination between the International Maritime Organization, regional states, naval authorities, and the shipping industry to ensure that vessels can transit safely.

Above all, it is imperative that full freedom of navigation is respected by all parties in accordance with international law.”