In an open letter sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, sixteen international associations maritime, port and transport sectors have asked for help to protect maritime traffic in the light of the seizure of the container ship MSC Aries and its crew implemented by a Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran Team ( of 15 April 2024), attack - underlined the associations in the letter - which « highlighted once again the intolerable situation in which shipping is become a target. This is unacceptable."

"We have witnessed," the letter to Guterres continues, " a worrying increase in attacks on maritime transport. The Shipping is not a casualty-free target. Innocent seafarers have been killed and seafarers are being held in custody. hostage. That would be unacceptable on land and is unacceptable at sea. The world would be outraged if four planes were kidnapped and held hostage with people innocents on board. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be the same answer or Concern for the four merchant ships and their crews held hostage'.

Stressing that "it is a moral duty to protect the seafarers', 'given the serious threat profile and continuous evolution within the area - wrote the Associations - We call for a greater military presence, and coordinated patrols in the region, to protect our from any further possible aggression. Associations - concludes the letter - call on all Member States to Member States are formally reminded of their responsibilities to the under international law. And we demand that they be carried out all possible efforts to free seafarers and protect the safe transit of ships'.

The letter was signed by the ASA associations, BIMCO, CLIA, ECSA, Intercargo, Intermanager, Intertanko, IAPH, ICS, IFSMA, IMCA, IMEC, IPTA, ITF, Fonasba and WSC.