DistantNews
🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

Standing up for freedom of navigation in int’l waterways sends right message: UN maritime chief

From The Straits Times · (3d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The head of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) urged countries to uphold freedom of navigation in international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Arsenio Dominguez warned that using shipping as collateral in geopolitical conflicts, like the ongoing US-Iran impasse, severely impacts the global economy and supply chains.
  • Dominguez expressed hope for de-escalation, noting that diplomatic talks are ongoing, but stressed the need for global cooperation to ensure safe and usual trade resumption.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating geopolitical tensions in vital international waterways, emphasizing the critical need to maintain freedom of navigation. Speaking from Singapore, Dominguez highlighted how the continued impasse between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz is not merely a regional concern but a significant threat to the global economy, potentially disrupting crucial supplies like fertilizer and natural gas well into 2027.

The reality is that we need the global community to rally behind a de-escalation of the conflict to allow us to trade as usual.

— Arsenio DominguezEmphasizing the need for international cooperation to resolve the conflict and restore normal trade.

Dominguez's remarks underscore a growing international anxiety over the weaponization of trade routes. He pointed out the dangerous trend of shipping being increasingly used as collateral in geopolitical conflicts, a situation that jeopardizes the livelihoods of countless seafarers and the stability of global commerce. The recent confusion over a ceasefire, which saw the US maintain its blockade and seize an Iranian cargo ship, exemplifies the precariousness of the situation and the urgent need for de-escalation.

It’s not over yet but the sooner it comes to an end, the sooner we can all start tackling the next round of challenges.

— Arsenio DominguezExpressing cautious optimism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

From Singapore's perspective, a nation heavily reliant on maritime trade, the principle of freedom of navigation is sacrosanct. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has been unequivocal, stating that Singapore will not negotiate passage terms, as doing so would undermine fundamental international law. Dominguez echoed this sentiment, rejecting any notion of tolls or special payment mechanisms for passage through international waterways. He also acknowledged the IMO's efforts in drawing up evacuation plans for stranded seafarers and ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz once shipping resumes, demonstrating a commitment to mitigating the human cost of these conflicts.

I still see positives in the fact that the parties engaged in the conflict are talking to each other.

— Arsenio DominguezHighlighting the ongoing dialogue between the US and Iran as a positive sign.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog