Global Shipping Industry Calls for Safe Passage Guarantees in Strait of Hormuz

Shipping companies and maritime industry leaders are calling for urgent, clear and enforceable rules to restore normal operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

At a major shipping gathering in Athens, operators warned that uncertainty over security, navigation rights, and possible “informal tolls” is preventing vessels from returning to the waterway at normal levels.

Industry executives stressed that global trade cannot function effectively without guaranteed safe passage through the Strait, which carries a significant portion of global oil shipments.

“We cannot accept that there will be no free passage for ships all over the globe,” said a leading shipping executive, urging that maritime trade and seafarers be excluded from geopolitical disputes.

Operators also warned that even a temporary ceasefire or diplomatic pause would not be enough unless backed by a clear operational framework ensuring safety, insurance certainty, and predictable navigation rules.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained highly unstable in recent months due to escalating regional tensions, leading to reduced ship traffic, soaring insurance costs, and concerns over possible blockades or targeted attacks.

Maritime authorities and UN agencies have also echoed concerns that crews remain stranded in the Gulf and that shipping recovery will be slow without a fully trusted security arrangement.