Shipping groups oppose proposed Strait of Hormuz tolls

Eight major shipping organisations, including the International Chamber of Shipping, the Baltic and International Maritime Council, and the World Shipping Council, have jointly issued a letter to the authorities overseeing the Suez Canal, urging a reversal of recently announced fee increases for vessels transiting the waterway. The signatories contend that the proposed surcharge—an additional $300 per 1,000 gross tons for vessels over 150,000 GT—would raise operating costs for carriers and could translate into higher freight rates for shippers worldwide. In the letter, the groups emphasize the canal’s role in moving roughly 12% of global trade volume and argue that the fee structure threatens the competitiveness of the route amid growing alternative corridors.

The organisations request that the Suez Canal Authority conduct a transparent review of the fee schedule, taking into account the economic impact on global supply chains and the need to maintain the canal’s position as a cost‑effective transit option. They also propose a phased implementation of any adjustments, coupled with stakeholder consultations, to mitigate disruption. The letter marks a coordinated industry response to policy changes that could affect shipping costs, with the signatories indicating they will monitor the Authority’s response and consider further collective action if necessary.