Strait of Hormuz tolls would harm livelihoods worldwide, shipowners warn

A coalition of eight leading international shipping organisations has formally objected to plans for toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns about violations of established maritime governance. The associations submitted their position to UN leadership following reports that Iran and Oman are negotiating management arrangements for the strategically vital waterway.

The shipping groups contend that compulsory transit fees would represent a departure from recognised international practice and undermine the legal framework governing straits designated for international navigation. They emphasise that navigation rights should remain independent of political negotiations and warn that a permanent toll system would create broader economic consequences.

According to the organisations, the financial impact would extend beyond shipping costs to affect global energy prices, inflation rates, and economic stability. The groups stress that such disruptions would ultimately affect employment and living standards across multiple regions and industries.

The letter was signed by eight major associations representing shipowners and operators globally. The UN's maritime agency head has previously stated that toll collection in the strait would contravene international law and establish a harmful precedent for global shipping governance. Trade policy analysts note that Asia, as a major importer of Gulf energy resources, would face particularly acute cost increases from such a toll system.