Danish container shipping giant A.P. Møller-Mærsk is holding back from committing to Strait of Hormuz transits, even as a preliminary peace agreement between the United States and Iran was signed over the weekend, according to ShippingWatch.
While rival and partner Hapag-Lloyd has signalled preparations to resume full transits through the strategically critical waterway this week, Maersk’s leadership — including CEO Vincent Clerc — is maintaining a wait-and-see posture, as reported by ShippingWatch on 15 June 2026.
Diverging Approaches Among Major Carriers
The contrast between the two carriers reflects a broader divide in how the shipping industry is responding to the diplomatic breakthrough. According to ShippingWatch, Hapag-Lloyd is actively preparing to move ships back through the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran agreement, while Maersk is not yet ready to commit to a timeline.
This cautious approach from Maersk comes amid wider scepticism in parts of the industry. ShippingWatch also reports that tanker executives have urged restraint, with some noting the need to see “more than just an agreement on paper” before resuming normal operations.
First Movements Through the Strait
Despite the hesitation from some operators, ShippingWatch reports that an Indian tanker has already transited the Strait of Hormuz as the first vessel to do so under the new agreement — an early signal that the waterway may be gradually reopening to commercial traffic.
The IMO’s Arsenio Dominguez has welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement, and carriers have separately called for the safe evacuation of seafarers in the wake of the diplomatic development, according to ShippingWatch.
Does This Matter to You?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints in global maritime trade, carrying a significant share of the world’s seaborne oil and gas flows. Any change in its operational status — whether a reopening, a partial resumption, or continued uncertainty — has direct consequences for voyage planning, insurance premiums, war risk assessments, and bunker fuel procurement.
The fact that major carriers are adopting differing approaches to resuming transits suggests the situation remains fluid. Those involved in scheduling, routing, or fuel planning for vessels operating in the region will want to monitor how the situation develops before making operational commitments. Tanker rate uncertainty, as flagged by ShippingWatch, adds another layer of complexity for those trading or chartering in the area.
The broader industry is described by ShippingWatch as expecting positive developments from the Hormuz reopening, though uncertainty — particularly around tanker rates — remains a live concern.
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
