Shipping giant „Maersk“ (Maersk) said on Tuesday that a two-week truce agreed between the United States and Iran may open up some opportunities for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but does not yet provide sufficient security to resume normal supplies on the route, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
„We are taking a cautious approach at this time and are not making any changes to specific services“, the Danish shipping group said in a statement to the agency.
The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, followed by Iranian attacks on countries in the region and the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has led to a near-total shutdown shipping in the Persian Gulf, which has affected global supply chains.
„Maersk“, one of the world's largest shipping groups, in March suspended cargo bookings to many ports in the Persian Gulf region and introduced emergency surcharges on bunker fuel to offset its rising costs.
The ceasefire announced tonight between the US and Iran “may create opportunities for transit passage, but does not yet provide complete security and we need to understand all potential conditions associated with it“, „Maersk“ said.
„Any decision to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be based on ongoing risk assessments, close monitoring of the security situation and available guidance from relevant authorities and partners“, the statement also said. the company.
„Maersk“ has combined sea and land transport - via the ports of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Salalah and Sohar in Oman and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, before transporting shipments by land to destinations in the Persian Gulf.
„We will continue to closely monitor developments and provide updated information as the situation becomes clearer in the coming hours and days“, the company added.