US and Irans ship capture sparks criticism from global shipping authority

International Chamber of Shipping Calls for Immediate Release of Captured Crews

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has condemned the recent tit-for-tat capture of commercial vessels by the US and Iran, calling for the immediate release of their crews. In an interview with Al Jazeera, John Stawpert, marine director of the ICS, stated that seafarers should be allowed to carry out their duties “freely and without persecution”.

The ICS represents about 80% of the world’s merchant fleet and has expressed concern over the capture of vessels for what it sees as political ends. Stawpert noted that the capture of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and natural gas supplies, sets a precedent that could be applied to other straits.

The US and Iranian militaries have each announced the capture of two commercial vessels over the past week, with the US capturing the Iran-linked Majestic X and Iran seizing the Panamanian-flagged MSC Francesca and the Greek-owned Epaminondas. The ICS has expressed concern for the well-being of the crews on these vessels, who are reportedly “unharmed” but still in custody.

Stawpert also highlighted the impact of the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz on shipping companies, which have already been affected by Iran’s effective closure of the strait. The ICS is calling on both the US and Iran to respect freedom of navigation and resume innocent passage as soon as possible.

The blockage has driven up fuel prices worldwide and forced many governments to implement emergency energy-saving measures. With traffic in the waterway at a fraction of pre-war levels, the ICS is also concerned about the psychological burden on an estimated 20,000 seafarers who have been left stranded in the Gulf for seven weeks.

The ICS is urging both the US and Iran to respect international law and allow the crews of captured vessels to return to their duties without further delay.

Source: Al Jazeera