Maritime Security and Safety
HORMUZ CEASEFIRE: IRAN REOPENS STRAIT AS 20,000 STRANDED SEAFARERS AWAIT SAFE PASSAGE — BUT SHIPPING GIANTS HOLD BACK
HORMUZ CEASEFIRE: IRAN REOPENS STRAIT AS 20,000 STRANDED SEAFARERS AWAIT SAFE PASSAGE — BUT SHIPPING GIANTS HOLD BACK
By Okeoghene Onoriobe | Waterways News | Lagos
Pakistan brokers truce; IMO welcomes move; Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd demand concrete security guarantees before resuming transit
Iran has confirmed a two-week ceasefire with the United States, raising cautious hopes that the Strait of Hormuz — closed to commercial shipping since February 28 — may finally reopen to the thousands of vessels and seafarers trapped in the Gulf.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said safe passage through the waterway would be permitted for a fortnight, coordinated with Iran’s armed forces and subject to what he described as “technical limitations.” The announcement came hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure and bridges if Tehran failed to comply.
Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, said Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Tehran and considered it a “workable basis” for broader negotiations. Reports indicate the Iranian plan calls for the lifting of all U.S.-imposed sanctions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government mediated between Washington and Tehran, announced on X that an immediate ceasefire between Iran, the U.S., and their allies had taken effect — including in Lebanon. Sharif invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on Friday to continue negotiations toward a “conclusive agreement.”
20,000 Seafarers, 2,200 Vessels Still Waiting
For the global maritime industry, however, the ceasefire announcement alone is not enough to trigger a return to normal operations. More than 2,200 commercial vessels — carrying approximately 20,000 seafarers — have been unable to transit or leave the Gulf since hostilities erupted six weeks ago, when Iran threatened attacks on ships passing through the strait.
Germany’s shipping industry body, the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), described the two-week truce as an important signal, particularly for the thousands of sailors stranded at sea. But it cautioned that the absence of concrete security guarantees remains a major concern. At least 50 vessels operated by German companies are among those stuck in the region.
The International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the development, saying efforts are already underway to establish mechanisms for safe passage, with immediate priority given to freeing stranded ships.
Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd Urge Caution
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, the world’s leading shipping lines are not rushing back through the strait.
Hapag-Lloyd, with six vessels currently held in the region, said it is not yet recommending transit as it continues risk assessments, adding that its ships will depart as soon as conditions are confirmed safe. Danish giant Maersk, with 10 vessels in the Gulf, said it is reviewing next steps but stressed that the ceasefire does not yet provide sufficient security assurances for normal operations to resume.
The Baltic and International Maritime Council has advised shipping companies to avoid transiting the strait without prior coordination with both Iranian and U.S. authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its extended closure since February has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and supply chains.
Industry stakeholders are now watching closely to see whether the two-week truce can be converted into a durable arrangement — one that provides the reliable security guarantees the shipping industry says it needs before vessels resume regular transit.
Waterways News will continue to track developments on the Hormuz crisis and its implications for global shipping and Nigeria’s maritime trade.