Shipping firms seek clarifications before crossing Hormuz

InternationalTop NewsShipping firms seek clarifications before crossing HormuzBy Reuters -Apr 18, 2026Shipping companies have cautiously welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is ​open but said they would require clarifications, including about the risk of mines, before vessels move through ‌the entry point to the Gulf. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open to all commercial vessels during a 10-day Lebanon ceasefire accord, prompting a fall in oil and other commodity prices while stock markets rose. All commercial ships including U.S. vessels can sail through the ​strait although their plans need to be coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Transit would ​be restricted to lanes which Iran deemed safe, adding that military vessels were still prohibited, the ⁠official said. “We are currently verifying the recent announcement related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in terms of its ​compliance with freedom of navigation for all merchant vessels and secure passage,” said Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of UN shipping agency the International ​Maritime Organization. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association said several things had to be clarified before any ships can transit the strait, including the presence of mines, Iranian conditions and practical implementation. “If this represents a step towards an opening, it is a welcome development,” said Knut Arild Hareide, CEO the association, which represents ​130 companies with some 1,500 vessels. Shipping association BIMCO cautioned members on returning to the strait. “The status of mine threats… is unclear and ​BIMCO believes shipping companies should consider avoiding the area,” said Jakob Larsen, BIMCO’s chief safety and security officer. The threat posed by mines in parts ‌of the ⁠strait is not fully understood and avoidance of the area by ships should be considered, a U.S. Navy advisory seen...