As tensions continue to rise around the Middle East Gulf, the IMO has condemned the spring's spate of tanker attacks.
The UN-backed maritime authority's council Thursday said the six attacks in the region, four in May and two in June, pose "grave danger to life" and "serious risk to navigational safety".
“Threats to ships and their crews, peaceably going about their business in any part of the world, are intolerable," said IMO secretary general Kitack Lim.
On 12 May, four tankers — the 299,000-dwt VLCC Amjad (built 2017), the 105,000-dwt Al Marzoqah (built 1999), the 47,000-dwt Andrea Victory (built 2005) and the UAE-flagged bunker vessel A Michel — were damaged in an apparent attack off Fujairah. None of the crew were hurt and none of the cargo spilled.
About a month later the 27,000-dwt Kokuka Courageous (built 2010) and the 110,000-dwt Front Altair (built 2016) were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Kokuka Courageous had a hole blown in its side above the water line and the Front Altair was hit by three explosions.
Various groups have blamed Iran for both incidents, allegations the Islamic republic denies.
Since, the US has announced plans to build a coalition to protect commercial shipping in the region, including military escorts and the UK Royal Navy's HMS Montrose has been enlisted to accompany ships.
The UK has seized the Ukrainian-owned 301,000-dwt Grace 1 (built 1997) in Gibraltar on suspicion that it was headed to Syria, with Iran threatening retaliation. Iran today admitted it had seized the 1,800-dwt Riah (built 1988) over alleged fuel smuggling
The IMO did not assign blame for either the attacks or the rising tensions in its condemnation.
They did, however, remind flag states and shipowners to review vessel maritime security plans and implement necessary measures to address the heightened risks in the region.
“I strongly urge all member states to redouble their efforts and to work together to find a long lasting solution to ensure the safety and security of international shipping around the globe and the protection of the marine environment," Lim said.
"We owe it to our industry, which is indispensable to the world, and to our seafarers.”
