COPENHAGEN, April 8 (Reuters) – Maersk announced on Wednesday that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could create some opportunities for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the company stressed that i...
COPENHAGEN, April 8 (Reuters) – Maersk announced on Wednesday that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could create some opportunities for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the company stressed that it does not yet have enough security assurance to restart regular operations.
“For now, we are taking a cautious approach and won’t be changing any specific services,” the Danish shipping company stated.
The conflict, which started with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, followed by Iranian attacks in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has caused shipping in the Gulf to nearly stop, impacting global supply chains.
Maersk, one of the largest container shipping companies worldwide, suspended cargo bookings to many ports in the Gulf last month and introduced emergency fuel surcharges globally to manage rising fuel costs.
NO 'FULL MARITIME CERTAINTY' YET FROM CEASEFIRE
“While the ceasefire might present some transit opportunities, it does not yet guarantee full maritime safety. We need to understand the potential conditions that come with it,” Maersk explained.
“Any decision to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will rely on ongoing risk assessments, close monitoring of security conditions, and guidance from the relevant authorities and partners,” the company added.
To manage cargo movement, Maersk has been using a “land-bridge” system. This involves routing shipments through ports in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Salalah and Sohar (Oman), and Khor Fakkan (UAE) before transporting them by land across the Gulf region.
“We will keep a close eye on developments and provide updates as clarity improves over the next hours and days,” the company concluded.