International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement as a relief for 20,000 seafarers caught in the conflict, but emphasized that their safe departure must be a top priority. With approximately 500 ships needing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to exit the area, Kazakos called for coordination through the International Maritime Organization alongside industry and regional states. He stressed that the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation had been sidelined during the war and demanded a permanent return to unimpeded passage without tolls or clearance mechanisms. The statement came as global shipping associations including BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, and INTERTANKO had earlier condemned attacks on seafarers, citing IMO data showing 46 verified attacks and 14 confirmed fatalities since February 28.
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