Hapag-Lloyd says Strait of Hormuz unsafe amid mines

Global shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has said it is difficult to assess the impact of a potential U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that the route remains effectively impassable as long as mines are present in the area.

"What's important is that passage through the Strait of Hormuz be restored as soon as possible," said a company spokesperson in an emailed statement, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The spokesperson added that, from Hapag-Lloyd’s perspective, navigation through the strait is currently not feasible due to the reported presence of mines, and that securing insurance for vessels attempting transit is also proving difficult.

Earlier, US President Trump said the US Navy would start ​blockading the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes after marathon talks with Iran failed to reach a deal to end the war, jeopardising a fragile two-week ‌ceasefire. He then also said that the United States has deployed minesweeping vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, with support from the United Kingdom.

By Sabina Mammadli