IMO Rejects US, Iran Proposals for Strait of Hormuz Ship Fees

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has rejected proposals from the United States and Iran to levy fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The organization cited that such charges are not in accordance with international law.

"If it does not comply with international law and has no strong basis for actual enforcement, then it cannot be applied," stated IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in an interview with Kyodo News. Dominguez noted that the UN body had begun evacuating ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since June, but this operation was halted after attacks on merchant vessels. Approximately 500 ships remain trapped in the area.

Dominguez indicated that evacuations could only resume if Iran and the US could guarantee the safety of ships from attacks. He also revealed ongoing discussions about a new framework for the IMO to monitor the Strait of Hormuz in collaboration with Iran and Oman, though no formal proposals have been submitted yet.

The IMO Secretary-General also highlighted the rising tensions in the Red Sea following the Houthi group's announcement of a maritime blockade on ships linked to Saudi Arabia. He stressed that international shipping should not be weaponized in geopolitical conflicts. "Maritime transport should not be held hostage in any geopolitical conflict," Dominguez asserted.

Dominguez pointed out that Asia is particularly vulnerable to instability in the Strait of Hormuz due to its significant reliance on crude oil imports from the Middle East. He suggested that Japan, as a maritime nation, could play a proactive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating negotiations between the involved parties.