The shipping industry is urging the United Nations (UN) to take decisive action to protect merchant vessels and seafarers amid escalating attacks in the Middle East that could hurt the global supply chains. 

Shipping Industry Writes to UN Amid Middle East Attacks

In a letter sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, the world's leading shipping industry associations emphasized the urgent need for enhanced protection of merchant ships and seafarers amid rising tensions in the region, Reuters reported.

According to the letter, the seizure of the MSC Aries container ship by Iran on April 13, approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, underscored the dangerous situation faced by shipping vessels and "innocent seafarers" who have been killed or "being held hostage."

"The world would be outraged if four airliners were seized and held hostage with innocent souls onboard. Regrettably, there does not seem to be the same response or concern (for ships and their crew members)," the letter said. 

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Shipping Industry Says Seafarers and the Maritime Sector Are Neutral

The letter emphasized the need for a robust and coordinated military presence in the region to mitigate the threat posed to maritime transportation by aggressive actions.

Recent incidents, including attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, have further increased concerns about the safety of merchant shipping routes.

The industry maintained the neutral stance of seafarers and the maritime sector, emphasizing the importance of depoliticizing maritime activities to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. 

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