As a major maritime player, Belgium regularly has vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region. The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) is following the rapidly escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf with the utmost concern. The KBRV is in close and constant contact with its members and the Belgian authorities to guarantee the safety of Belgian shipping in the region.

Our primary concern is for the welfare of the seafarers on board, and their safety is one of the key priorities for our members.

The KBRV fully aligns itself with the joint statement issued by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Shipowners (ECSA). We support their call for all parties to take all necessary steps to safeguard the safety of innocent seafarers.

“We are deeply concerned about the attacks on merchant vessels in the region. It is vital that international shipping, an indispensable link in the global supply chain, is safeguarded”, said Loïc Van Staey, Managing Director of KBRV.

The KBRV is monitoring the situation on an hour-by-hour basis. In close consultation with the competent Belgian authorities, we are developing the best possible advice for our members. For security reasons, KBRV will not provide any details regarding the possible presence of Belgian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region.