Warning to the UN & IMO, Severe Consequences of Shipping Giants’ Extortion in the Strait of Hormuz!
Sea News — International Desk؛ Eight major international maritime organizations, including ICS, BIMCO, WSC, and Intertanko, recently addressed a joint letter to the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In their statement, these groups voiced sharp concerns over the potential implementation of transit and service fees for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such measures could trigger a broader rise in global energy prices and supply chain costs.
However, a closer look at the legal and operational realities reveals a stark contrast to the media narrative currently being pushed by Western maritime associations. Allegations regarding the imposition of “mandatory tolls” are largely manufactured. Iran has no intention of levying arbitrary charges; the core issue revolves around the legitimate right to recover expenses incurred from offering standard maritime services in accordance with international law. In fact, the operational framework and specific details of this proposed cost-recovery system have not even been finalized.
Providing round-the-clock navigational support, environmental monitoring, and security across the strait has required massive investments from Iran over many years. Under international maritime law, charging vessels for concrete technical and operational services provided by coastal state authorities is a well-established and recognized practice—one utilized by numerous coastal nations worldwide to ensure safe and efficient shipping lanes.
What remains conspicuously absent from the shipping giants’ letter is any mention of the true source of regional instability. International law experts stress that the IMO must not be swayed by one-sided media campaigns. Instead, the organization has a clear obligation to address the root cause by pressing the United States to end its illegal sanctions and continuous pressure tactics against Iran. De-escalating Washington’s unilateral approach is the single most effective way to ensure that Iran can manage, support, and secure this crucial global waterway with maximum stability, directly benefiting international trade and all passing vessels.
