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Scouring the Strait of Hormuz for mines could take weeks
Western maritime security sources say mine clearance could take 40 to 50 days before insurers and shippers resume normal traffic.
On Monday, UN shipping agency head Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the United States-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though mine clearance operations could continue for 40 to 50 days before companies resume transits.
Dryad Global CEO Corey Ranslem estimates Iran possesses up to 1,000 naval mines, threatening the waterway that handled 20% of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply before the war.
Group CEO Rene Kofod-Olsen of V.Group, which has 13 ships stuck in the Gulf, warned that "one sea mine is enough to have fatalities," underscoring industry risks.
Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at BIMCO, cautioned that "we still consider it very risky for ships to commence transits," stressing that mine-free routes must be established.
Britain, France, and Germany have dispatched minesweepers to the Middle East as global oil stockpiles head toward their lowest levels since at least 2003, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Ships loaded with oil have begun moving through the Strait of Hormuz, claims Donald Trump.
He says it is completely “safe”.
According to the BBC, shipping companies are reacting with cautious optimism to the peace agreement – but mine clearance in the strait could take months.