The Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was hit by unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on 25 June.
It was the first vessel to be struck since the US and Iran agreed a 60-day ceasefire under an accord to negotiate a long-term peace deal. Under the Memorandum of Understanding Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz and allow for freedom of navigation.
The Maritime & Port authority of Singapore (MPA), which administers the Singapore Registry of Ships stated: “MPA is deeply concerned about the incident, which was unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law. authority stated.
All actions affecting international shipping must fully comply with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not endanger the safety of seafarers and ships at sea.”
Singapore, as littoral state of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore has been staunch in its defence of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and a refusal to negotiate with the Iranians on tolls or passage of the waterway
The MPA said the Ever Lovely was proceeding on its voyage and all 21 crew safe. “MPA will continue to remain in close contact with the vessel’s management company and provide the necessary assistance.”
The attack on the Ever Lovely led to the suspension of a scheme launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to evacuate ships that have been stranded in the Gulf since 28 February. The Evergreen vessel was not sailing through Hormuz as part of the IMO initiative.
Following the attack Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) posted on X: “Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees and will not be entitled to insurancecoverage or related liabilities. The consequences arising from passage through unauthorised routes shall be the responsibility of the owner, operator, and vessel commander.