A.P. Moller-Maersk is not yet ready to send vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, despite calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for merchant ships to resume passage through the strategically critical waterway. According to ShippingWatch, Maersk’s chief executive Vincent Clerc sees encouraging signs but is insisting on a signed agreement and verified security conditions before committing to any resumption.
Clerc Signals Caution Over Hormuz Return
ShippingWatch reports that Clerc has indicated the process could take “a few weeks” before the situation becomes sufficiently clear to act on. The Danish shipping giant is not alone in its hesitation — ShippingWatch also notes that tanker operator Hafnia has stated it will stay away from Hormuz until safety can be confirmed, and that Mitsui’s chief executive similarly anticipates a weeks-long wait before the strait reopens to normal commercial traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most significant maritime chokepoints in the world, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serving as a critical passage for global energy exports.
Industry-Wide Reluctance to Move Early
The cautious stance from multiple major operators reflects a broader reluctance across the shipping industry to move prematurely. ShippingWatch also reports that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have separately resumed activities in the Red Sea — another previously avoided corridor — suggesting that operators are making route-by-route assessments based on evolving conditions rather than applying blanket policies.
An oil analyst cited by ShippingWatch had expected Hormuz to reopen before Friday, though the same source acknowledged that any normalization would occur in stages.
Does This Matter to You?
The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping has cascading implications across freight markets, energy logistics, and vessel routing decisions. With major container and tanker operators publicly withholding commitment until formal security assurances are in place, the timeline for any return to normal transit remains uncertain. Route planning, cargo scheduling, and freight rate dynamics in affected trades are all subject to ongoing volatility until clearer signals emerge from operators and relevant authorities.
ShippingWatch’s reporting suggests that the situation is being monitored closely at the highest levels of major shipping groups, and that the benchmark for resumption is formal agreement — not political statements alone.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
