The International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos has issued a statement following the announcement surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2026), we were delighted that Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden all deposited their instruments of ratification for the HNS Convention, fulfilling the second of three ratification criteria needed for the entry into force provisions to be triggered – 12 States Parties to the Convention.
As a key strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta plays a crucial role in global shipping. Dr Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, and Dr Miriam Dalli, Minister for Environment and Energy, spoke with ICS Leadership Insights to outline how the island nation is playing a leading role in driving the Mediterranean's transition into a clean energy hub.
As global shipping faces geopolitical disruption, infrastructure bottlenecks, and pressure to cut emissions, attention is returning to the Arctic’s northern sea routes. But while shorter voyages between Asia and Europe offer clear theoretical advantages, operational realities mean the region remains a niche for now.