Dec 12 (LNGJ) - The United Nations International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary-General Kitack Lim from South Korea has issued an urgent warning about threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea used by vessels entering or exiting the Suez Canal. “The recent reports of threats made to commercial shipping in the Red Sea are extremely alarming and unacceptable,” Lim said.
“Ships, cargoes and seafarers must be protected at all times. I invite Member States to work together to ensure unhindered and safe global navigation,” he added. About 60 vessels including LNG carriers normally transit the Suez Canal each day, though numbers have dropped recently due to war risks. “Commercial shipping should never be a collateral victim of geopolitical conflicts. Any attack on commercial shipping is contrary to international maritime law, including laws which protect the freedom of navigation,” Lim stated.
