Global shipping giant Maersk on Wednesday said the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran may create limited transit opportunities in the Strait of Hormuz, but falls short of providing the security assurance needed to resume normal operations.
In a statement, the Danish container shipping major emphasized it is maintaining a cautious stance and has not made any changes to its current services. “The ceasefire may create transit opportunities, but it does not yet provide full maritime certainty,” the company noted, adding that any decision to resume transits would depend on ongoing risk assessments and guidance from authorities.
The conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, followed by retaliatory Iranian actions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has severely disrupted maritime trade in the Gulf. Shipping activity in the region has slowed dramatically, sending shockwaves through global supply chains.
Amid the crisis, Maersk had suspended cargo bookings to several Gulf ports and introduced emergency bunker fuel surcharges worldwide to offset rising operational costs.
To mitigate disruptions, the company deployed alternative logistics solutions, including a “land-bridge” system routing cargo through key regional hubs such as Jeddah, Salalah, Sohar, and Khor Fakkan, before transporting goods overland to destinations across the Gulf.
Maersk said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and provide updates as more clarity emerges in the coming days.