Strait of Hormuz reopens as U.S.-Iran deal eases shipping delays

The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after a framework agreement between the U.S. and Iran. German merchant shipping now expects its vessels to return from the Persian Gulf over the coming months. Many ships have been anchored or operating in the region for around four months. The return journey for German ships will depend on the route taken. If vessels can pass through the Red Sea, the trip to Germany will take about a week. Ships avoiding this route will face a journey of roughly two weeks.

Martin Kröger, managing director of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), believes the full return of all ships will take at least three months. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz marks the first step in easing these delays. The framework agreement has cleared the way for ships to begin their return. Travel times will vary based on the chosen path. The process of bringing all vessels back is expected to stretch over several months.