The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Middle East and called for urgent action to safeguard seafarers and maintain safe navigation in the region.

Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of ICS, delivered the statement on 18 March during the International Maritime Organization’s 36th Extraordinary Council Meeting, which focused on the impact of the crisis across the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“The International Chamber of Shipping expresses its strongest condemnation of the attacks against commercial vessels operating in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf,” Kazakos said. “These actions pose an unacceptable threat to the safety of international shipping, undermine the stability of global trade and, most significantly, place innocent seafarers at grave risk.”

ICS said the incidents have led to fatalities and injuries among crew members, while an estimated 20,000 seafarers remain in affected waters. The organisation warned that prolonged disruption could place increasing pressure on crews as onboard provisions and fuel supplies decline.

“The longer this crisis endures, the greater the strain that these crews will be placed under, as stores begin to deplete and bunkers reduce,” Kazakos stated. “Industry is moving to provide all the support it can, but it is imperative that states work together to ensure that vessels can be resupplied and crews changed over safely and expediently to allow for continued safe operation of these vessels,” Kazakos added.

The organisation called on authorities to take immediate steps to ensure secure transit for vessels and stressed the need for close coordination between governments, naval forces and the shipping industry.

“The right to freedom of navigation is paramount and should be protected, and any efforts to safeguard shipping and facilitate its movement should be closely coordinated with the shipping industry to ensure practical, effective outcomes,” Kazakos said. “Transparent communication and collaboration between governments, navies and industry will be essential to restore confidence and minimise risk.”

ICS also urged all parties involved to work towards a rapid de-escalation of the situation.

“The safety of seafarers, the integrity of essential global supply chains and the stability of international commerce depend on immediate action to bring these hostilities to an end,” Kazakos said in the statement.