Key facts
- Iran's military warned oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tankers must follow Tehran-approved routes or face a forceful response.
- Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will resume Suez Canal sailings.
- The ME11 service will reroute through the Suez Canal and Red Sea.
- Resumption of sailings starts mid-February.
- The decision follows security assessments.
- The aim is to restore efficiency to the Asia-Europe trade corridor.
- Dedicated maritime assistance will be provided for safe navigation.
Iran's military has issued a warning to all oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stating that they must follow Tehran-approved routes or face a forceful response. This assertion of control over the critical waterway occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile truce.
In parallel, major shipping companies Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are set to resume sailings through the Suez Canal and Red Sea for their joint Gemini Cooperation service, ME11, beginning in mid-February. This decision follows comprehensive security assessments conducted by the companies. The rerouting aims to restore efficiency to the vital Asia-Europe trade corridor. The companies have arranged for dedicated maritime assistance to ensure safe navigation through the region.