The World Shipping Council (WSC) has welcomed a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while drawing a firm line on one condition: vessels must be allowed to transit the waterway without being subjected to tolls.
According to Ship & Bunker, WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek issued a statement on Thursday calling for immediate action to support stranded seafarers and vessels still caught in the region.
Coordination and Safety First
Kramek emphasized that getting people and ships moving again safely will take a coordinated effort across multiple stakeholders. As reported by Ship & Bunker, he stated that the process “will require coordination between states, the IMO and industry, backed by the necessary safety and security guarantees.”
Beyond coordination, Kramek called for prioritizing coordinated risk assessments, mine mitigation operations, and vessel traffic management as part of the reopening effort.
The IMO’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez had separately confirmed earlier in the week that the organization is actively working with member states and partners to facilitate the evacuation of seafarers currently stranded in the region, according to the same report.
The Toll Question
A central concern for the WSC is the prospect of Iran introducing transit charges on commercial vessels. Ship & Bunker reports that while the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday — giving both sides 60 days to finalize a deal — reports suggest Iran may intend to levy charges on commercial shipping once that window closes.
The IMO has previously stated there is no legal basis for imposing such tolls on transiting ships. Kramek reiterated this position clearly, stating that “ships must be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely, securely and without toll.”
Under the current terms of the preliminary agreement, the US would lift its naval blockade of Iran, while Iran would reopen the strait to commercial shipping.
Does This Matter to You?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime chokepoints. Any disruption to transit — whether through physical closure, security threats, or the introduction of new financial charges — has direct consequences for vessel scheduling, freight economics, insurance costs, and fuel planning.
The prospect of transit tolls, if implemented, would introduce a new cost variable into voyage calculations across routes linking the Arabian Gulf to global markets. The ongoing uncertainty around mine clearance and vessel traffic safety also carries significant implications for risk assessment and route planning in the region.
The 60-day timeline before a final agreement is reached means conditions remain fluid, and the situation warrants close monitoring.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
