WSC Calls for Toll-Free Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday June 19, 2026

Container industry body World Shipping Council (WSC) has welcomed the US-Iran preliminary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that ships must be able to pass through the waterways without tolls.

Immediate focus should be on helping seafarers and vessels still stranded in the region move safely through the area, Joe Kramek, President and CEO of WSC, said in an email statement on Thursday.

“That will require coordination between states, the IMO and industry, backed by the necessary safety and security guarantees, Kramek added.

“Coordinated risk assessments, mine mitigation operations, and vessel traffic operations should be prioritized as part of these efforts.”

The IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez had said in a statement earlier this week that the organisation is working with member states and partners on plans to evacuate seafarers stuck in the region.

“This conflict has again shown why the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must be respected and protected, Kramek said.

“Ships must be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely, securely and without toll.”

The comments come after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

Under the deal, the US will lift its naval blockade of Iran, while Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

However, some reports suggest Iran intends to introduce charges on commercial vessels transiting the strait once the 60-day period expires.

The IMO had previously stated that there is no legal basis to impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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