International Chamber of Shipping addresses UN Security Council on maritime security and freedom of navigation

Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), spoke to the United Nations Security Council in New York about the vital need to safeguard maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the existing legal framework for the world's oceans, on Tuesday. The ICS was invited to speak at an Arria-Formula meeting of the Security Council organized by Bahrain and chaired by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani.

The meeting gathered UN representatives and invited guests to discuss the worsening maritime security environment in light of escalating geopolitical tensions, with a special emphasis on the security situation in the Persian Gulf.

Speaking on behalf of the international shipping industry, Kazakos highlighted the far-reaching impacts of insecurity at sea on seafarers, vessels, global trade, and the broader international economy. He underscored the crucial principle of freedom of navigation, stating, "The ability of commercial ships to navigate international waterways safely, predictably, and without undue hindrance is essential to international maritime law and the global trade system...

Shipping must not be held to ransom." Kazakos warned that the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding area illustrates the gravity of the issue, as it serves as a critical global trade artery, facilitating around a quarter of the world's oil trade by sea, along with significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertilizers.

The organization emphasized that commercial ships and their crews should not be made scapegoats for broader political or military disputes, and that established international rules for navigation should be upheld. Kazakos stressed that straits should not be transformed into places where commercial shipping must seek permission, negotiate access, or endure arbitrary restrictions simply because geopolitical tensions have escalated.

This is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn based on the political circumstances of the moment.

The meeting also allowed for the discussion of the human toll of the deteriorating security environment. Kazakos pointed out that seafarers are transporting food, energy, medicines, raw materials, and essential goods to communities worldwide, acting as civilians and not parties to geopolitical conflicts. Their well-being is of paramount importance.

In conclusion, Kazakos called for a return to the principle of freedom of navigation, reaffirmed that international straits should not function as toll roads, and emphasized that merchant ships and seafarers must not be held to ransom. He expressed the International Chamber of Shipping's appreciation for the opportunity to address the Security Council and reaffirmed the shipping industry's commitment to collaborating with governments and international organizations to enhance maritime security and uphold the principles that underpin global trade.

Kazakos extended his sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Dr Al Zayani for their gracious invitation. Arria-Formula meetings are informal sessions enabling individuals and organizations to engage in direct dialogue with members of the United Nations Security Council.