Shipping Nations Sound Alarm Over Threats to Freedom of Navigation

A group representing 18 major shipping nations is warning that growing geopolitical tensions, unilateral trade measures and the expansion of the shadow fleet are threatening the rules-based maritime system that underpins global trade.

The Consultative Shipping Group (CSG), whose members span Europe, Asia and North America, issued a public statement Monday calling for stronger international cooperation to protect freedom of navigation and maintain a level playing field for shipping.

The group said recent disruptions — including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, drought restrictions at the Panama Canal and conflict in the Middle East — have exposed the vulnerability of