World Shipping Council President & CEO Joe Kramek said the agreement affecting the Strait of Hormuz is a positive development and an encouraging step toward restoring safety in this vital maritime corridor.

“The immediate priority is safe passage for the seafarers and ships still stranded in the area. That will require coordination between states, the IMO and industry, backed by the necessary safety and security guarantees. Coordinated risk assessments, mine mitigation operations, and vessel traffic operations should be prioritized as part of these efforts,” Joe Kramek said.

“This conflict has again shown why the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must be respected and protected. Ships must be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely, securely and without toll.”

“Ocean carriers are closely monitoring developments and will make operational decisions in a complex environment, based on the best available information and risk assessments,” Joe Kramek said.