SINGAPORE — Major global shipping companies have begun rerouting vessels and adjusting operations following renewed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, industry sources and company statements said on Sunday.
Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have taken precautionary measures amid Iran's announcement of a temporary closure of the strait, citing alleged ceasefire violations linked to developments in Lebanon. The companies have suspended or diverted transits through the waterway, with some services rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope.
The moves come days after an interim agreement that had allowed limited resumption of traffic through the strait. U.S. Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships carrying about 17 million barrels transited the waterway on Saturday, but Iranian authorities subsequently announced the closure.
Shipping executives cited crew safety and operational risks as primary reasons for the adjustments. A Maersk spokesperson said the company had paused vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz and warned of potential delays for services calling at Persian Gulf ports. Similar instructions were issued by MSC, which directed vessels in the region to safe areas and suspended new bookings to the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruptions have previously led to vessels being stranded in the Persian Gulf and increased freight costs. Details on the exact number of ships currently affected remain unclear, with industry trackers reporting varying levels of activity.
Analysts and companies have noted the vulnerability of maritime chokepoints to geopolitical tensions. Some carriers have explored alternative routing options, including transshipments via ports outside the immediate Gulf area. Insurance providers have also adjusted war risk coverage for vessels in the region, according to earlier industry notices.
As of Sunday, several major carriers continued to monitor the situation closely while coordinating with security partners. No immediate reports of incidents involving commercial vessels were confirmed following the latest announcement. Officials from involved parties have described the developments as fluid, with ongoing high-level talks in Switzerland aimed at addressing broader regional issues, including the strait’s status.
The latest rerouting decisions are expected to add time and cost to certain Asia-Europe and other trade lanes, though specific financial impacts were not immediately detailed by the companies.
