Maersk Maintains Navigation in Strait of Hormuz Despite Heightened Tensions
Taarek Refaat
Despite the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global shipping powerhouse Maersk has confirmed that its vessels are continuing to pass through the vital waterway.
This decision comes even after recent U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, further heightening the region's instability.
In an official statement released today, Sunday, Maersk reassured stakeholders that it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the area. The company emphasized its commitment to operational flexibility, stating that it is prepared to adjust its routes and operations promptly if the need arises, based on credible and real-time intelligence.
While Maersk's vessels continue to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, the company made it clear that the safety of its crews and ships remains its foremost concern. Maintaining operations in the face of growing risks is not an indication of complacency but reflects a proactive approach, ready to take swift action in response to any immediate threats or changes in the region's security dynamics.
The Strait of Hormuz is more than just a geographical feature; it is a critical choke point for global trade. Roughly 20% of the world's oil exports pass through this narrow waterway. Disruptions in the strait could have a profound impact on global oil prices, shipping routes, and supply chains—factors that are crucial to both energy and commodity markets worldwide.
Although Maersk has not yet disclosed specific contingency plans, the company confirmed that it is evaluating all potential scenarios. Any decision moving forward will depend on the changing situation in the region, with Maersk remaining committed to swift adaptation based on real-time information.
This careful and strategic approach highlights the delicate balance that major shipping companies must strike between their operational responsibilities and the escalating security risks associated with the region.
The timing of Maersk's statement underscores the growing importance of maintaining the flow of global trade through this sensitive region. Companies operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz are now faced with the dual challenge of ensuring business continuity while navigating a web of complex geopolitical risks.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, the fate of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is increasingly uncertain. While Maersk remains vigilant and ready to reassess its approach based on the security situation, the coming weeks will likely determine how global trade and shipping routes are affected.
read more
CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion
Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect
Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document
Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister
Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years
Business
Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Business
Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue
Business
Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday
Business
Wheat delivery season commences on April 15
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Videos & Features
Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
News
Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Technology
50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UN Security Council condemns US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites but avoids naming Washington - Region
The United Nations Security Council has condemned US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, warning they pose a 'grave threat' to international peace and security and undermine the global nuclear safeguards regime – but stopped short of naming the United States. In a statement issued after an emergency session requested by Iran, the Council said it 'condemns in the strongest terms the attacks against peaceful nuclear sites and facilities under the IAEA safeguards in the Islamic Republic of Iran,' calling them a serious threat to the International Atomic Energy Agency's oversight system. The move follows US bombings of Iran's Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites amid rising regional tensions over the Israel–Iran war. It marks the Council's third meeting since Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory on 13 June. The Council cited Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. It also recalled Resolution 487, adopted in 1981 after Israel bombed Iraq's Osirak reactor, claiming the strike was a pre-emptive move to prevent Iraq from developing nuclear weapons. It called for an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' and urged all parties to avoid further escalation. The Council also stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reminded all sides of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. On the nuclear issue, it urged a diplomatic agreement 'acceptable to all parties' that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of multilateral and unilateral sanctions. The UN secretary general has been asked to report back within seven days on implementation and developments on the ground. The Council said it would remain 'actively seized' of the matter. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel
The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran reached a dangerous new phase after US President Donald Trump announced a 'highly successful' strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities—an action that analysts warn could plunge the region into a full-scale war. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the operation targeted the nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, declaring that the Fordow facility was 'finished' after a full payload of precision-guided bombs was deployed. 'Now is the time for peace,' he said, following the announcement. According to a source quoted by Reuters, Iran had preemptively moved most of its highly enriched uranium from Fordow and had reduced staff presence at the site ahead of the strike. In swift retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel early Sunday, in what officials are calling the most direct and dangerous confrontation yet between the two states. Israeli authorities reported at least 27 injuries, with rockets striking Tel Aviv and Haifa and causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump's actions, calling them a 'historic decision' and emphasizing that the targeted strikes were meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'This is a pivotal moment for regional security,' he said. In Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes had 'erased Iran's nuclear ambitions,' stressing that the operation was carefully designed to avoid civilian casualties. 'Any retaliation from Iran will trigger a significantly stronger response,' he warned. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that the Fordow facility had sustained extensive damage, calling the mission 'a major military success.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that 'the world is safer and more stable today,' and reiterated that the United States remains open to renewed dialogue with Iran, despite the operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply condemned the strikes, calling them an 'unforgivable international crime.' He ruled out any talks with Washington 'as long as acts of aggression continue.' Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Iranian parliament approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval from the country's Supreme National Security Council—a move that could disrupt global oil flows. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation had been released from the targeted nuclear sites, concerns remain over potential environmental fallout should the attacks continue. In response to Iran's missile barrage, the Israeli military launched additional airstrikes on Sunday targeting drone and missile bases in Isfahan, Bushehr, Ahvaz, and, for the first time, Yazd. According to Israeli military sources, 30 fighter jets were deployed in the operation. The financial cost of the ongoing conflict is mounting. Israeli media reported that over 32,000 damage compensation claims have been filed, with the total cost of the week-long conflict estimated at 12bn shekels—including 5bn shekels allocated to missile defense systems. Calls for de-escalation continue to intensify. Egypt's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and pursue a political resolution to the crisis. Cairo also held urgent consultations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, emphasizing the need to uphold national sovereignty and prevent a broader descent into regional chaos. France, Germany, and the European Union joined the chorus of international concern. The EU's foreign policy chief labeled the situation 'extremely dangerous' and reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a global security imperative, adding that diplomacy is the only path forward. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Iran's nuclear program poses a 'serious threat' to international security and called on Tehran to re-engage in negotiations immediately. Regional powers, including Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and warned of catastrophic consequences for regional stability if hostilities are not curtailed. While Israeli officials publicly denied plans for further escalation, the Financial Times reported that some senior figures within the government favor halting additional operations following the US strike—though they noted that Iran's next move would likely determine the trajectory of the conflict. On the ground, Iran's judiciary announced the arrest of seven individuals on charges of espionage and terrorism amid fears of further unrest. A senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed continued attacks on Israel, declaring that 'the Zionist entity will not enjoy peace.' In a rare statement, Yemen's Houthi movement voiced solidarity with Iran, condemning the US and Israeli strikes as 'Zionist-American aggression' and violations of international law.
Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian ministers visit mega date farm project to boost agricultural exports
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, and Minister of Agriculture, Alaa Farouk, traveled to New Valley governorate to inspect progress on what is expected to become the world's largest date farm—part of a national initiative to expand agricultural exports and transform desert land into productive farmland. The visit aligns with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's directive to plant 2.5 million date palms in the western desert region, positioning Egypt as a global leader in date production. During the tour, both ministers planted palm trees to mark the project's advancement and reaffirm the government's commitment to agricultural development. The ministers also visited the Central Groundwater Laboratory and the Sustainable Development Center for New Valley Resources—research institutions affiliated with the irrigation and agriculture ministries. Minister Sewilam underscored the importance of equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art technology and building technical capacity to enhance groundwater monitoring and desert water resource management. Sewilam noted that the laboratory is internationally accredited through December 2025 and plays a central role in safeguarding groundwater—a vital but non-renewable resource that supports Egypt's desert farming projects. He emphasized the need for strict regulation and responsible groundwater usage to ensure long-term sustainability. Minister Farouk highlighted the Desert Research Center's work in cultivating non-traditional, drought-tolerant crops such as quinoa, panicum, and cassava—better suited to Egypt's arid climate. He also pointed to the government's unprecedented investment of more than EGP 1trn in reclaiming approximately 4 million feddans of desert land, with per-feddan development costs ranging between EGP 250,000 and EGP 300,000. Accompanied by New Valley Governor Mohamed El Zamlout, the delegation toured an exhibition featuring the center's work in seed banking, organic fertilizers, and greenhouse agriculture. Farouk called for continued technical support for local farmers and the expansion of agricultural outreach programs to raise productivity and promote sustainable practices. He added that wheat yields have improved significantly, with productivity increasing by nearly one ardeb (around 150 kg) per feddan, helping Egypt exceed last year's wheat procurement by over 500,000 tonnes. The visit reflects Egypt's broader national strategy to modernize agriculture, boost exports, and ensure long-term food security by transforming its vast desert regions into thriving agricultural zones.
