Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Warn of Ongoing Uncertainty Over Hormuz Strait Resumption

Leading carriers Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have issued warnings over continued uncertainty surrounding the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the announcement of a temporary ceasefire — conditional on the safe reopening of the waterway. 

Maersk confirmed it will make no changes to its current service routes, noting that while the ceasefire may allow limited transit opportunities, it does not provide sufficient guarantees for a full operational return. The carrier continues to rely on alternative solutions, including overland transport through regional ports. 

Hapag-Lloyd struck a more cautiously optimistic tone, projecting a gradual recovery in shipping traffic over the next 6 to 8 weeks — contingent on security stabilization — with the possibility of reopening bookings on a limited basis for select markets. 

Operationally, the impact remains significant. Hundreds of vessels are still stranded in the region, with additional weekly costs estimated in the tens of millions of dollars across the industry.