The German Shipowners' Association (VDR) is demanding security guarantees for cargo ships before passage through the Strait of Hormuz can resume. "The announced ceasefire and the prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz are an important and hopeful signal," the association stated on Thursday in response to an AFP inquiry. "However, concrete and reliable information is currently still lacking on how free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be practically ensured."
From the perspective of the German shipping industry, three points are decisive: "Firstly, clear and reliable security guarantees, secondly, close and internationally coordinated cooperation between the states involved, and thirdly, transparent and practicable framework conditions for shipping on site," the association explained.
"As long as these prerequisites are not reliably in place, the situation remains tense," the shipowners added. The resumption of ship traffic can therefore "only take place gradually and in a coordinated manner." Given the high number of affected vessels, "clear procedures for passage, functioning communication, reliable traffic management, and the guarantee of navigational safety" are essential.
After more than five weeks of conflict, the United States and Iran agreed on Tuesday to a two-week ceasefire. In return, Iran declared its willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – however, it emphasized that it would maintain "control" over the strategically vital waterway for global trade. Despite the agreement, new attacks have occurred in the Gulf region.
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