Ship operators welcomed, but were cautious about Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz was open, but said clarification would be needed before ships moved from the Gulf entry point.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in X that the Strait is open after a ceasefire was agreed in Lebanon. His statement caused an immediate and large drop in oil and other commodity prices, while stock markets rose.
“We are currently verifying the recent announcement on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, in terms of freedom of navigation for all merchant ships and safe passage,” said Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association stressed that many things need to be clarified to assess any transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including the existence of sea mines, Iranian conditions and practical application,
“If this is a step toward an opening, it is a welcome development,” said Knut Arild Harrade, chief executive of the association, which represents 130 companies with about 1.500 ships.
And German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd said it will continue to refrain from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. “The company is currently considering announcing that the Straits will remain open for the remainder of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Hapag-Lloyd is assessing the security situation and the associated risks and will refrain from sailing the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” a company spokesperson said.
Danish shipping company Maersk and France’s CMA CGM were not immediately available for comment.
Norwegian oil tanker group Frontline declined to comment.
