PRESS RELEASES
INTERTANKO calls for cool heads and clear thinking following events in Straits of Hormuz
20 July 2019
INTERTANKO is deeply concerned by recent events in the Strait of Hormuz, and appeals for cool heads and clear thinking by the relevant authorities in order that those vessels transiting the area can resume normal, safe operations without fear of reprisal.
As has been widely documented in the press, two tankers – the UK-flagged 49,638-dwt Stena Impero and the Liberian-flagged 315,802-dwt Mesdar – were detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard while transiting international waters in the Strait of Hormuz. While the Mesdar has been subsequently released, the Islamic republic said the Stena Impero was "violating international regulations", a claim owners Stena Bulk has denied.
While INTERTANKO’s immediate concern is for the safety and wellbeing of those seafarers on board the vessel, it is also mindful of the feelings and mental state of every seafarer transiting the Straits following these events. It is essential that these international waters are kept open, freely navigable and above all safe.
The Strait of Hormuz is the passageway for 20% of the world's oil exports with almost 19 million barrels per day (bpd) shipped through the waterway.
INTERTANKO Chairman, Dr Paolo d’Amico, said: ”It is both sad and frustrating that once again our seafarers are unwitting participants at the centre of a geo-political situation.
“The need for all sides to attempt to reconcile any differences is vital to prevent further escalation. We urge everybody to remember that the seafarers on board these vessels are simply innocent civilians of various nationalities, regardless of the Flag the ship sails, who are going about their daily duties to keep the world’s economy turning. We have people of every nationality and vessels of every Flag transiting that crucial sea-lane every day – they are not in any way of a military persuasion and should not be treated as such.
“I restate my point that if the waters are becoming more and more unsafe, the supply to the entire Western world could be at risk. We call for calm heads and clear thinking in order to resolve what is a troubling situation. As an industry, we continue to work very closely with all stakeholders to provide operational advice and guidance.”
