Commercial vessels ‘must never become targets of violence’ – Malta International Shipowners’ Association

The Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA) has expressed “grave concern” following the aerial attack on the Malta-flagged container vessel M/V San Antonio “while lawfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.”

The San Antonio, operated by CGA CGM, was struck by a cruise missile launched from Iran as it passed the waterway on Tuesday 5th May.

Eight crew members injured in the strike were evacuated for medical treatment, with the attack marking “the largest number of seafarer injuries reported in a single incident since the start of the conflict earlier this year,” according to trade publication Maritime Executive.

Although CMA CGM said the passage was being coordinated with the US military, which has been blockading the Strait of Hormuz.

However, US officials told the New York Times that the San Antonio was not following Project Freedom guidelines, referring to the effort by the US Navy to escort merchant ships through the Strait without Iranian approval.

Project Freedom was suspended after less than 48 hours in operation hours after the attack on the San Antonio.

Nonetheless, on Friday MISA strongly condemned attacks against merchant shipping and civilian seafarers.

“Commercial vessels engaged in lawful navigation and innocent passage under international law must never become targets of violence or geopolitical escalation,” said the association.

The association noted with serious concern that this marks the third attack on a Malta-flagged vessel in recent weeks.

“These incidents represent a direct threat not only to maritime safety and freedom of navigation, but above all to the lives, safety, welfare and wellbeing of innocent civilian seafarers serving at sea under increasingly dangerous conditions.”

The association said the Strait of Hormuz “remains a vital international waterway for global commerce and energy security. Any disruption to lawful navigation carries significant economic and humanitarian implications worldwide.

“However, at the centre of these developments are seafarers who continue to ensure the continuity of global trade while facing risks far beyond their control.”

MISA said it supports the position expressed by the Maltese authorities, reaffirming that freedom of navigation and transit passage through international straits are fundamental principles protected under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The association also supports the recent calls made by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for attacks against merchant shipping to cease immediately, for the protection of innocent civilian seafarers, and for enhanced international coordination to safeguard maritime navigation and security.

“Merchant ships are civilian objects and seafarers are civilians performing essential global services. They must be afforded full protection under international humanitarian law and should never be exposed to risks arising from geopolitical or military developments beyond their control.”

MISA said its “thoughts are with the injured crew members and their families,” and “acknowledges and appreciates the swift assistance provided by the Omani authorities in evacuating and treating the injured personnel.”

It said that while shipowners continue to strengthen risk assessments and operational safeguards, “the escalation of threats against merchant vessels demonstrates the limits of what the industry, acting alone, can address.”

MISA said its supports enhanced international coordination and proportionate measures aimed at safeguarding civilian shipping and protecting seafarers operating in high-risk regions, while upholding freedom of navigation and international law.

“The association will continue to engage with its members, the Maltese authorities and international maritime stakeholders on matters affecting maritime safety, security and seafarer welfare.”