Shipping Firms Seek Clarifications Before Crossing Hormuz

Source: US News & World Report/Reuters

April 17, 2026, at 11:51 a.m.


April 17 (Reuters) - Shipping companies have cautiously ⁠welcomed ⁠Iran's announcement that the Strait of ⁠Hormuz is open but said they would require clarifications 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.

"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 (IMO).

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.

German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd was reviewing the situation and "probably we will pass soon", a spokesperson said. Danish shipper Maersk and France's CMA CGM were not immediately available for comment. Norwegian oil tanker group Frontline declined to comment.

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