International associations representing shipowners and Bimco Maritime Operators, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Intercargo and Intertanko unanimously condemned the recent attacks on seafarers and merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. "It arouses serious - highlighted today the four organisations in A note - The recent escalation of the conflict, which puts at risk the lives of our seafarers, compromises the safety of the international navigation and limits the freedom of navigation. Merchant ships and their crews are of a and form the backbone of global trade. I seafarers on board often have no say in the goods transported or on the routes to be followed. Seafarers should never collateral victims, nor instruments of pressure political or military. Attacks on merchant ships represent a direct challenge to the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation, which is essential for the global economy and enshrined in international law. Acts of war, including the imposition of naval blockades, must always be carried out in in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict. This It also includes the use of only the necessary force and the adoption of all possible precautions to avoid or minimize damage to civilians".

"Rebuilding trust in security of the Strait of Hormuz - underlined Bimco, ICS, Intercargo and Intertanko - will require not only an end to the attacks, but also clear demonstrations of restraint and respect for the law international by all parties involved".

In the meantime, the four associations have invited all parties involved to urgently pay attention to the safety of seafarers, to immediately cease attacks on ships to exercise moderation and proportionality in all military operations, to respect the right to freedom enshrined in international law and to work for a de-escalation of tensions and for the restoration of a safe ship transit.