After the UK-flagged ship Stena Impero, diverted from its original course in the Strait of Hormuz, the International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) Secretary General, Guy Platten, stated that he is extremely concerned about this latest development, particularly in respect of the safety of seafarers.
Specifically, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, highlighted that:
We are extremely concerned about this latest development in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly in respect of the safety of seafarers. We call on all authorities to work together to seek a swift and transparent resolution to the situation and to ensure that crews are kept safe
He added that freedom of navigation is vital for global trade and encouraged all nations to uphold this fundamental principle of maritime law.
In the 21st century it is not acceptable for seafarers and ships to become pawns in any way, they must be allowed to operate in safety. We will be reviewing the situation and remain in contact with relevant authorities
He urged.
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ICS comes to add to several organizations that are also concerned with the latest incident. Namely, the International Transport Worker’s Federation (ITF) and Nautilus International raised concerns over the British oil tanker, Stena Impero, that was seized in the Strait of Hormuz, and proposed a diplomatic resolution to the situation and de-escalation of tensions in the region.
Moreover, during its meeting in London on 15-19 July, the Council of the IMO condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman, with IMO Secretary General urging all Member States to shed efforts to ensure maritime security in the region.
The vessel’s seizure has also been condemned from the shipping industry, as the West believes that this incident worsens the increasing tensions in the area. France, Germany and the EU are in support of Britain, condemning the incident.
Furthermore, the UK Chamber of Shipping expressed its concerns over the incident, and commented that it’s obvious that the vessel was seized in ‘clear violation of international law.’
On Friday, July 19, Iranian authorities seized Stena Impero, a British-flagged, Swedish-owned oil tanker, while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident spiked the tensions in the area, as the UK condemned this act as ‘hostile’, denying Tehran’s argument that it seized the vessel because it was involved in an accident.
According to a Tehran-based TV channel, Stena Impero was seized because it was breaching international maritime law, whereas, Iran’s Fars news agency stated that the Guards boarded on the Stena Impero after it collided with an Iranian fishing boat whose distress call it ignored.
According to reports, the vessel was taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where it will remain.
The incident alerted the shipping industry which now calls all those sailing through the Strait of Hormuz to be extra careful.
