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Shipping firms question safety in strait of Hormuz despite Trump plan
TL;DR
The shipping industry is skeptical about safety in the strait of Hormuz following Donald Trump's announcement of a US naval operation to assist vessels. Conflicting reports about missile strikes on a US warship have raised concerns about the sustainability of the plan.
Key points
- Trump announced a US naval operation in the strait of Hormuz.
- Iran reported a US warship was hit by missiles, which the US denied.
- Shipping experts question the sustainability of the operation.
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpUS Central CommandHormuz
The world’s shipping industry has questioned whether vessels will be able to travel safely to and from the Gulf after Donald Trump announced his latest plan to open the strait of Hormuz.
Trump wrote on Monday that the US navy would “guide” stranded ships out of the waterway, writing on his social media site Truth Social that the operation, “Project Freedom”, would be a humanitarian gesture “on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran”.
But within hours Iran’s Fars news agency reported a US warship intending to pass through the strait had been hit by two missiles and turned back after ignoring an Iranian warning. The US denied its ship had been hit. Brent crude rose about 2% to $110.36 a barrel amid the conflicting reports.
The US Central Command (Centcom) saidtwo US-flagged merchant vessels had “successfully transited” through the strait of Hormuz.
Shipping industry experts questioned whether the president’s plan could be sustainable or if it would be a limited operation to get some of the trapped ships out.
Sascha Meijer, the general secretary of the seafarers’ union Nautilus, said: “Seafarers stuck in the strait would really appreciate protection to get ships sailing out. But is this protection sure? How about mines? Are the ships insured? Is this offer enough? It is really too soon to conclude if this is good news or creates more danger.”
Her comments were echoed by an oil tanker captain stuck in the strait, Ramoon Kapoor, who told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme that he “would not take this risk” of attempting to leave.
“As a captain it is my duty as well to assess the situation. I have to take the consent of [the] whole crew – whether they are willing to put their lives at risk. It’s a long process,” he said.
Trump did not provide details about how the more than 850 vessels trapped in the Gulf would be freed.
“I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait,” wrote Trump on Truth Social. “In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else.”
Q&A
What is Donald Trump's plan for the strait of Hormuz?
Donald Trump's plan involves the US navy guiding stranded ships through the strait of Hormuz as part of an operation called 'Project Freedom'.
What incidents have occurred in the strait of Hormuz recently?
A US warship reportedly faced missile strikes from Iran after ignoring a warning, although the US denied the ship was hit.
How has the shipping industry reacted to Trump's Hormuz plan?
Shipping industry experts have expressed doubts about the sustainability of Trump's plan and whether it will effectively ensure safe passage for vessels.
