Shipping companies have expressed a cautious welcome to Iran’s recent declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is open for transit. However, they emphasize the need for crucial clarifications, particularly regarding the potential risk of mines, before their vessels can safely traverse this vital entry point to the Gulf.
Iran’s Announcement and Conditions
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would be accessible to all commercial vessels during a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire accord. This announcement reportedly led to a decrease in oil and other commodity prices, alongside a rise in stock markets. A senior Iranian official further clarified to Reuters that all commercial ships, including those from the United States, are permitted to sail through the strait, provided their plans are coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Transit, the official added, would be restricted to lanes deemed safe by Iran, with military vessels remaining prohibited.
International and Industry Concerns
Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the United Nations shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated, “We are currently verifying the recent announcement related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in terms of its compliance with freedom of navigation for all merchant vessels and secure passage.”
The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association highlighted several points requiring clarification before any ships could transit, including the presence of mines, specific Iranian conditions, and practical implementation details. Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the association representing 130 companies and approximately 1,500 vessels, remarked, “If this represents a step towards an opening, it is a welcome development.”
Shipping association BIMCO issued a cautionary note to its members regarding a return to the strait. Jakob Larsen, BIMCO’s chief safety and security officer, warned, “The status of mine threats… is unclear and BIMCO believes shipping companies should consider avoiding the area.” This concern was echoed by a US Navy advisory on Friday, seen by Reuters, which stated that the threat posed by mines in parts of the strait is not fully understood, and avoidance of the area by ships should be considered.
Company Responses and Navigational Challenges
German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd announced on Friday its efforts to enable its ships to sail through the strait “as soon as possible,” but acknowledged that several questions remain unanswered. The company’s crisis committee is actively working to resolve these issues with relevant parties within the next 24-36 hours. Danish peer Maersk confirmed it is closely monitoring the security situation and will base its actions on its risk assessment. France’s CMA CGM and Norwegian oil tanker group Frontline declined to comment.
Matt Wright, lead freight analyst at data intelligence firm Kpler, pointed out that a recent route imposed by Tehran through its territorial waters near Larak Island could present navigational challenges, even without a toll, and would raise questions concerning compliance and insurance.
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran had agreed never to close the strait again and was in the process of removing sea mines from the area.
As one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, previous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have compelled shipping companies to suspend sailings, reroute cargo, and resort to costly workarounds to maintain the flow of goods into and out of the Gulf.
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