The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has clarified that countries cannot legally impose fees on ships for transiting international straits, according to its legal counsel. The statement comes amid ongoing disputes over maritime passage charges in key global waterways. Legal experts and shipping industries are closely watching how this ruling may impact navigation costs and sovereignty claims. The clarification underscores long-standing principles of free passage under international maritime law.
IMO's Arsenio Dominguez says it’s not legal for countries to charge ships fees to use international straits.
