A spokesperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping said:

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for international trade, and freedom of navigation must be upheld in accordance with international law. Prolonged disruption to safe maritime transit will have far‑reaching consequences for global supply chains and energy security, with impacts felt by households, businesses and economies worldwide.

Seafarers are not actors in this conflict, yet they continue to bear its direct consequences. Their safety and welfare must remain paramount.

The Chamber underlines that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and the right of transit and safe passage must be respected by all. Upholding freedom of navigation is fundamental to maintaining the flow of global trade.

We support continued international cooperation and coordination to restore safe passage, and protect commercial shipping. Sustained engagement between governments, industry and international partners is essential to resolving the current crisis and restoring stability to the region. 

In light of the continuing threat environment, the UK Chamber of Shipping, together with seafarer unions, continues to designate the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as a Warlike Operations Area, ensuring enhanced arrangements for affected crews, and will review this on an ongoing basis. 

The UK Chamber of Shipping will continue working closely with government, industry partners, unions and international counterparts to protect seafarers, uphold international maritime law and support the restoration of safe and secure shipping operations in the region.

For more information please contact Director of External Affairs, Stef Kenyon.