Following a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after an episode that includes mines risk, shipping and maritime security sources say clearing the waterway could take weeks. Assessments from multiple Western maritime security sources indicate that conventional minesweepers and underwater drones would likely be used for the operation, which could continue for about 40 to 50 days. Sources add that even after mines are removed, insurance, shipping, and oil companies may need additional time before they judge the route safe enough for normal traffic to resume. The delay could affect expectations for restoring regular passage through one of the world’s key energy routes. Some reporting also notes broader disruption to Gulf energy flows tied to events around Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, with supply already blocked since then. Separately, a warning from a UN shipping-related official underscores that restoring safe navigation through the strait will take time. Taken together, the reporting describes an approach focused on mine countermeasures and highlights that risk assessments by commercial stakeholders may extend the timeline beyond the physical clearing work.
Mine-clearing operation in Strait of Hormuz may delay reopening by weeks
Following a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after an episode that includes mines risk, shipping and maritime security sources say clearing the waterway could take weeks. Assessments from multiple...
- Mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to take weeks, with estimates of about 40–50 days.
- The operation uses both conventional minesweepers and underwater drones.
- Even after clearing, shipping and insurance firms may wait before allowing normal traffic.
- Multiple Western maritime security sources link the likely delay to time needed for confidence and risk assessments.
- The work follows a deal or efforts to reopen the strait after mines were identified or feared.
That could potentially hold up tens of millions of barrels of oil, in addition to the oil supply from the Gulf already blocked since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
1 hour agoOperation could take 40 to 50 days before insurance, shipping or oil companies are confident enough to sail through
3 hours agoThe possible presence of mines could deter shippers, with UN shipping agency chief warning that restoring safe navigation through the strait will take time.
3 hours agoBy Jonathan SaulLONDON, June 15 (Reuters) - Ensuring the Strait of Hormuz is safe from mines could delay a return to normal shipping traffic by weeks following a deal to reopen the waterway, shipping and maritime security sources say.The operation by conventional minesweepers and state-of-the-art underwater drones could continue for 40 to 50 days before many insurance, shipping or oil companies are confident enough to sail through, according to assessments from five Western maritime security sources.
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