The Asian Shipowners’ Association which accounts for 56% of the world’s fleet capacity and consists of China, Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and ASEAN countries, held its 39th Chairmen’s Meeting in Tokyo on 15 October 2026.

In response to the continuing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, ASA members reaffirmed the followings

• The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is having significant repercussions for Asia-Pacific economies, shipping and supply chains.

• Asia is a major source of both seafarers and ship capacity and plays a central role in international shipping, while the region’s economies remain highly dependent on reliable maritime transportation.

• Against this background, maintaining safe, stable and predictable maritime transportation is of vital importance to the Asia-Pacific region and the wider global economy.

• ASA continues to advocate importance of Freedom and Safety of Navigation. At the same time, we will continue to explore possible measures to safeguard the long-established fundamental principles at major maritime chokepoints, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

• Following an in-depth discussion among ASA members, Mr Hitoshi Nagasawa, Chair of ASA and President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association, emphasised: “No one benefits from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reliance on alternative routes or the development of new pipelines would increase costs and add to inflationary pressures. Maintaining free and safe maritime transportation is clearly the more rational and efficient outcome for the global economy.”

  Cosigned by

  Asian Shipowner’s Association

  China Shipowners’ Association

  Cook Islands Ship Owners Association

  Hong Kong Shipowners Association

  The Japanese Shipowners’ Association

  Korea Shipowners’ Association

  The Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations