Shipping Industry Calls On U.N To Protect Merchant Vessels After Iran Seizes Container Ship

The global shipping industry has turned to the United Nations for increased protection of ships and seafarers amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The latest incident was Iran’s seizure of the ship MSC Aries in the Strait of Hormuz.

Several shipping organisations wrote a joint letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling the seizure unacceptable and demanding the release of the 24 crew members still onboard.

They also asked that U.N. Members take steps to promote the safe transit of vessels amidst Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

The letter further addressed their concerns about shipping being a target and seafarers being victims of killings and being held hostages. The letter added that the shipping sector should not be politicised and seafarers should not be harmed.

It also stated that the U.N. Member States should increase their military presence, missions, and patrols in the region to protect commercial shipping and ensure the safety of seafarers.

The letter also mentioned that the world would be outraged if four aeroplanes were hijacked. Sadly, the same outrage is not directed to the four vessels and their crew members who are being held hostage. It added that what is unacceptable on land is unacceptable at sea.

MSC Aries is not the first ship seized by Iran. Iran-backed Houthis have held Galaxy Leader Ship and its 25 crew members hostage.

Ship Seizures and Safety Concerns have led major shipping companies to reroute their vessels around the southern part of Africa, delaying shipping times by 10 to 14 days and increasing shipping costs.

MSC Aries was loaded with 3600 TEU worth of cargo, amounting to 174 million dollars. It was going to deliver these shipments to Greece, Algeria, Egypt, Belgium, Turkey, India and Italy, per data on Vizion.

At least one seafarer onboard the MSC Aries, an Indian woman, returned home safely. India’s Foreign Ministry stated it was in contact with the 16 Indian crew members still onboard the vessel. According to sources, discussions with Iran are ongoing to secure their release.

References: Euro News, the national news

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