Shipowners warn U.N. and IMO: Hormuz tolls could trigger fees at other key shipping chokepoints

Eight of the world’s largest shipping associations have jointly urged the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization to block any compulsory transit fees or service charges in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a move would set a dangerous precedent for other critical maritime chokepoints. In a letter dated August 3 and published August 5, the groups—including the International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, and the World Shipping Council—argued that imposing even indirect tolls would undermine the established international legal framework governing navigation through international straits. ‘Once such a precedent is established, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist similar measures elsewhere, creating uncertainty for international shipping and global commerce,’ the associations wrote. The warning comes as tensions in the region have intensified since late February, when the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to assert tighter control over Hormuz traffic. Iran has warned ships require its permission to transit the strait and has threatened to impose permanent transit fees or mandatory insurance requirements, with reports of ad hoc payments as high as $2 million per voyage. Before the conflict, ships passed through the waterway largely unimpeded. The U.S. has pushed back against Iran’s attempts to assert control, supporting a southern route near Oman and deploying forces to protect commercial vessels. However, President Donald Trump briefly considered imposing a 20% charge on cargo shipments crossing with U.S. assistance in July, only to abandon the plan after Gulf allies objected. Oman has publicly opposed mandatory fees but has signaled openness to voluntary contributions for navigation support services aimed at enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Meanwhile, the U.S., Iran, and Oman are reportedly close to finalizing a 60-day agreement to keep the strait open without tolls, though the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The shipowners’ coalition stressed that navigation rights must not be compromised or used as leverage in broader political negotiations, calling for the preservation of internationally recognized freedoms of passage.