World Maritime Organization - IMO condemns attacks in the Red Sea
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has condemned the increasing number of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. "Attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea are unacceptable," said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim according to an IMO statement on Tuesday. "Ships must be able to sail freely around the world in accordance with international maritime law."
The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with currently 175 member countries. It sets globally binding rules for international shipping.
"I once again call on the member states to work together to ensure unimpeded and safe global shipping and the welfare of innocent seafarers everywhere," said Kim. This is a prerequisite for maintaining global supply chains.
Currently, almost all major Asia-Europe liner shipping companies are avoiding the passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal and rerouting their ships via the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. "The rerouting of commercial shipping by several global companies is a direct response to the current threat," said Lim. "These measures are aimed at protecting seafarers from harm and minimizing the potential economic impact on global trade, which is highly dependent on shipping."
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- The escalating conflicts in the Middle East, such as the one in the Palestinian territories, have also increased security concerns for shipping in the region, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial route for oil tankers.
- Despite the tensions, major European ports like Hamburg continue to receive vessels from various parts of the world, including those from Israel, further emphasizing the importance of international shipping and trade.
- The London-based insurance market has been closely monitoring the situation in the Red Sea, with some companies even refusing to provide coverage for ships passing through the area due to the heightened risks of attacks.
- The attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea have not only affected shipping but also other related industries, such as the cargo handling sector in port cities like Djibouti and Aden.
- The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for these attacks, stating that they are retaliating against countries they consider as their enemies, including regional powers like Saudi Arabia and its allies.
- The International Maritime Bureau, a part of the International Chamber of Commerce, has requested governments and the international community to intervene and ensure safe passage for ships in the Red Sea to prevent any further disruptions to global shipping and commerce.
- Meanwhile, efforts are underway to establish a maritime coalition, led by countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, that would help protect merchant ships in the region and deter potential attacks.
Source: www.stern.de
