Eight major shipping associations have urged the UN to oppose compulsory tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reports.

The groups voiced their opposition in a letter to UN chief Antonio Guterres and the head of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez. The missive was sent on Monday and published on Wednesday by one of the associations — the International Chamber of Shipping.

Compulsory or service charges “represent a significant departure from established international practice”, they wrote, warning they could create a precedent in other waterways. They also called for action over the safety of seafarers.

The other signatories were: Asian Shipowners’ Association, BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council), Cruise Lines International Association, European Shipowners, INTERCARGO (Global Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners), INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners), and the World Shipping Council.