Shipping Industry Says Hormuz Peace Deal Alone Won’t Bring Ships Back

At the recent Posidonia maritime exhibition in Greece, shipping executives cautioned that a potential peace deal in the Strait of Hormuz will not immediately restore normal transit patterns. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the industry remains wary following months of targeted attacks on commercial vessels like the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries. Shipping giants, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, emphasize that shattered confidence in regional security persists, meaning merchant ships will likely continue avoiding the Red Sea and Hormuz corridors for the foreseeable future.

From a regulatory perspective, the ongoing instability forces operators to strictly adhere to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, specifically Part A, which mandates rigorous security assessments and the implementation of Ship Security Plans (SSP). Compliance departments must ensure that vessels transiting high-risk areas maintain strict adherence to Best Management Practice 5 (BMP5) protocols. Failure to demonstrate robust security measures can lead to increased insurance premiums under Joint War Committee (JWC) listings, directly impacting the operational viability and legal compliance of global fleet movements.

For masters and navigating officers, this volatile environment necessitates heightened vigilance and the constant monitoring of maritime security alerts. These ranks must prioritize bridge team management and ensure that citadel drills are conducted regularly to prepare for potential boarding incidents. Navigating officers must remain updated on changing exclusion zones and coordinate closely with naval escorts, as the responsibility for vessel safety and crew protection remains paramount during transit through these contested geopolitical waters.