Sixteen international maritime associations, namely , ASA, Bimco, CLIA, ECSA, Intercargo, Intermanager, Intertanko, IAPH, ICS, IFSMA, IMCA, IMEC, IPTA, ITF, Fonasba, and WSC have called for the immediate release of the Ship, MSC Aries seized by Iran.
A letter addressed to the UN Secretary, General Antonio Guterres to that effect , was signed by the 16 associations.
The associations specifically called for the UN to remind member states of their responsibilities under international law, a reference to freedom of navigation under UNCLOS among other regulations.
The letter requested an enhanced military present, missions and patrols in the region to protect seafarers in the region given the sever and evolving threat to shipping. The signatories also asked for all efforts to be made to release the seafarers on MSC Aries.
The 15,000 teu container ship MSC Aries was seized by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13 with 25 crew onboard. Iran said the ship was targeted due to its links to Israel; tensions between the two nations have risen since the start of April.
MSC reported on April 17 that the crew were safe and that it was working with Iranian authorities to secure the release of the crew and cargo as soon as possible.
