Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has welcomed the agreement between the U.S. and Iran, signaling optimism for a swift normalization of maritime traffic in the Arabian Gulf. "The news regarding a peace agreement sounds encouraging, and we look forward to an end to all hostilities in the region," Germany's largest container shipping line stated on Monday in response to an inquiry from Reuters.
Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for more than 15 weeks, the company noted that this represents positive news for the group, its crews, and its customers. "We hope that vessels will be able to transit the Strait of Hormuz as early as this week." According to information released last week, four of Hapag-Lloyd's more than 300 ships remain trapped in the Arabian Gulf.
To supply customers in the Gulf region, the group, like other major shipping lines, has transitioned to alternative routes. The Hamburg-based company and its Danish cooperation partner, Maersk, have consistently emphasized that the safety of their crews must be absolutely guaranteed before returning to the Strait of Hormuz. Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen stated during a client conference last week that even after the strait reopens, a return to full normalcy following the months-long blockade will take at least three months.
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