Shipowners wait after Iran-US truce
Shipowners worldwide are currently analysing the consequences of the announced ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The temporary opening of the Strait of Hormuz offers perspective, but resuming shipping will not happen overnight. More than 800 ships are still stuck in the Persian Gulf.
Trade associations, including the Japan Shipowners' Association, are studying the details of the agreement to advise their members. However, uncertainty remains high, leaving many shipowners reluctant to resume shipping immediately.
Shipowners not resuming shipping immediately
Although the ceasefire appears to be a first step towards recovery, the shipping route remains largely empty for now. According to experts, this makes sense. Shipping flows are complex and cannot simply be resumed within 24 hours.
Not only shipowners, but also insurers and crews need to gain confidence that the risk has actually disappeared. As long as there are doubts about safety, the number of ships using the route will remain limited.
The situation calls for caution. One incident can instantly destroy confidence again, which is why the industry is operating with extreme caution.
Did you know
Restoring shipping routes often takes days to weeks, as planning, insurance and crews have to be realigned.
Shipowners see opportunities but remain cautious
US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States will help restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, signals from Iran remain cautious. The country has indicated it will cease attacks as long as there are no new actions against Iran.
According to Iranian sources, safe passage would be possible for a fortnight, in cooperation with Iranian forces. This offers perspective, but is not yet seen as a structural solution by the sector.
Meanwhile, diplomatic solutions are being worked on. Negotiations between Iran and the United States are planned in Pakistan, where talks will be held on transit, sanctions and military presence in the region.
For shipowners, this means that there may be room to allow ships to sail again, but it will happen step by step. Confidence must first return before shipping is fully up and running.
For logistics parties, it remains important to remain flexible and keep alternative routes in reserve. Read more about international transport flows on the sea freight page.
The coming weeks will determine whether the truce holds and whether shipping can actually recover. Until then, shipowners remain alert and cautious in a still uncertain region.