Maritimetekers

ICS Statement following the conclusion of the 36th Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council

Shipping Lines

The safety of seafarers, the integrity of essential global supply chains and the stability of international commerce all depend on immediate action to end these hostilities.

The International Chamber of Shipping ICS has issued a statement following the conclusion of the 36^th Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council (C/ES.36), that took place to address the impacts on shipping and seafarers of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

ICS Statement following the conclusion of the 36^th Extraordinary IMO Council Session

The International Chamber of Shipping welcomes the adoption of the outcomes document from the 36th Extraordinary IMO Council Session, which reaffirms a strong global commitment to maritime safety and security.
We echo the call that all attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz affecting innocent civilian seafarers be halted immediately, and the paramount importance of preserving the safety and welfare of seafarers worldwide.
We support calls for Member States to ensure the continuous provision of essential supplies to ships currently unable to leave the region, to ensure their safe operation and preserve the welfare of those onboard.
We also call on Member States and relevant authorities to work together in a coordinated manner, in consultation with industry, to restore freedom of navigation and to prevent and respond decisively to any attacks on seafarers, in accordance with national law.

A statement of ICS Secretary General

Notably at the 36th Extraordinary Council Meeting of the International Maritime Organization (C/ES 36), ICS Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos issued a statement addressing the impact of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region on shipping and seafarers, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Condemnation of the attack on the ships

The International Chamber of Shipping ICS strongly condemns the attacks on commercial vessels operating in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. Such actions pose an unacceptable threat to the safety of international shipping and undermine the stability of global trade. Most significantly of all, they place innocent seafarers in grave danger.

Fatalities and serious injuries to seafarers

These attacks have resulted in fatalities and serious injuries to seafarers, with around 20,000 people still trapped in the affected area. The longer the crisis continues, the greater the strain on these crews as supplies deplete and fuel reserves dwindle. The industry is doing all it can to provide support, but it is imperative that states work together to ensure that vessels can be resupplied and that crews can be changed over safely and quickly to allow these vessels to continue operating safely.

Call for freedom of navigation

Furthermore, they called upon all relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive measures to ensure the safe and secure passage of all affected ships. Freedom of navigation is paramount and must be protected. Any efforts to safeguard shipping and facilitate its movement must be closely coordinated with the shipping industry to ensure practical and effective outcomes. Open communication and collaboration between governments, navies and industry are essential to restoring confidence and minimising risk

Urging all parties to involved to urgently de-escalate the situation

Finally, they urge all parties involved to urgently de-escalate the situation and swiftly resolve this crisis. The safety of seafarers, the integrity of essential global supply chains and the stability of international commerce all depend on immediate action to end these hostilities.

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