The return of normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could face weeks of delays as maritime authorities work to ensure the waterway is free of potential naval mines following a deal to reopen the strategic passage.
Assessments from five Western maritime security sources suggest that mine-clearing operations involving conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones could take between 40 and 50 days before insurers, shipowners, and energy companies regain sufficient confidence to resume regular operations, Reuters reports. As explained, the potential delay could further constrain global energy supplies, with tens of millions of barrels of oil already affected by disrupted Gulf exports following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. The situation comes at a time when oil inventories in major economies are approaching their lowest levels since at least 2003, according to recent analysis by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Although Iran and the United States have reportedly facilitated the movement of some vessels through the restricted waterway in recent weeks, shipping officials continue to urge caution following the announcement that the two countries had reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the strait.
The scale of any potential mine threat remains unclear. As reported, Iran has repeatedly sought to assert control over the strait during the conflict and has warned that it could deploy naval mines, although Tehran has not confirmed whether any mines have actually been placed.
The United States has also identified mine-laying as a potential threat and said it has targeted Iranian vessels involved in such operations.
Speaking before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 2 June, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had “mined large segments of Hormuz — international waters,” though he did not provide further details.
Earlier in March, Iran’s National Defence Council warned that any attempt to target Iranian territory could trigger measures including the mining of access routes and communication lines throughout the Gulf. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, potential measures included the use of various types of naval mines, including floating mines launched from shore.
Meanwhile, several European countries, including Britain, France and Germany, have deployed naval assets and minesweepers to the region in preparation for a possible mine-clearance operation.
The deployment highlights ongoing concerns that even after a political agreement is reached, restoring confidence among commercial operators may take considerably longer.
Source: Safety4sea
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