The maritime industry, represented by the organisations behind this letter, is grateful for the recognition that the UN Security Council and they personally have placed on the shipping industry and the importance of free movement as set out in international law. They also thank and applaud IMO Secretary-General - Arsenio Dominguez for all the hard work raising the profile of shipping and seafarers.
However, the incident this weekend, when the vessel MSC Aries was seized by Iranian forces at 06.37 UTC – 50 nautical miles north-east of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, 13 April, 2024, has once again highlighted the intolerable situation where shipping has become a target. This is unacceptable.
Innocent seafarers
World would be outraged if four airliners were seized and held hostage with innocent souls onboard
They have seen a worrying increase in the attacks on shipping. Shipping is not a target with no victims. Innocent seafarers have been killed, seafarers are being held hostage. This would be unacceptable on land, and it is unacceptable at sea.
The world would be outraged if four airliners were seized and held hostage with innocent souls onboard. Regrettably, there does not seem to be the same response or concern for the four commercial vessels and their crews being held hostage.
Seafarers kept the world fed and warm during the pandemic with vital medicine, food and fuel delivered, irrespective of politics. Seafarers and the maritime sector are neutral and must not be politicised. It is the moral duty to protect seafarers.
Threats and circumstances
Shipping is a resilient industry, throughout history, it has delivered trade in the face of the most overwhelming threats and circumstances. Given the continually evolving and severe threat profile within the area, they call on them for enhanced coordinated military presence, missions and patrols in the region, to protect the seafarers against any further possible aggression.
The industry associations ask that all member states be formally reminded of their responsibilities under international law. And they ask that all efforts possible be brought to bear to release the seafarers and protect the safe transit of ships.
