Minesweeping Operations in Strait of Hormuz Could Delay Shipping Resumption by Up to 50 Days
Ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz from naval mines may significantly postpone the return of normal shipping traffic by several weeks, following a recent agreement to reopen the vital waterway. Shipping and maritime security experts indicate that operations involving conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones could take between 40 to 50 days before insurance, shipping, and oil companies feel secure enough to navigate through the strait.
Potential Impact on Oil Supply
The delay in shipping operations could impede the movement of tens of millions of barrels of oil, compounding the existing supply disruptions that have persisted since the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran on February 28. Estimates based on pre-war oil flow data suggest that every barrel exported from the Gulf is critical, especially as stockpiles in major economies are nearing their lowest levels since 2003, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Despite recent cooperation between Iran and the U.S. to facilitate the passage of some vessels through the blockaded strait, maritime officials continue to express caution. A preliminary agreement announced by both nations to end hostilities and reopen the strait has not alleviated concerns about the risks involved. Jakob Larsen, Chief Safety & Security Officer at the shipping association BIMCO, stated that the threat posed by mines in the area remains a significant concern.
Assurance for Safe Passage
The exact number of mines that Iran may have deployed in the strait, which previously handled 20% of the world’s daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply, remains uncertain. Iran has asserted its control over the waterway during the conflict and has threatened to use naval mines, though it has not confirmed whether its forces have laid any.
The U.S. has acknowledged the risk of mines and has reportedly targeted Iranian vessels involved in mine-laying activities. On June 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing that Iran had “mined large segments of Hormuz—international waters.” A subsequent report from Germany’s navy, based on intelligence from the U.S. and British navies, indicated that mines were located in four areas around the strait, although these locations could not be independently verified.
The potential presence of mines poses a deterrent for shipping companies. A supertanker and its cargo can be valued at approximately $300 million, prompting war risk underwriters and oil companies to seek assurances of safe passage before attempting to navigate the strait. Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO of V.Group, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that even a single sea mine could result in fatalities, underscoring the significant implications for global shipping.
Current Shipping Traffic Levels
When queried about the number of mines laid and their specific locations, a spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command (Centcom) stated that operational security considerations prevented them from disclosing details. They confirmed that efforts to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is free of mines laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are ongoing. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the situation.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre issued a warning on May 30, advising mariners to exercise caution after reporting the sighting of an “object suspected to be a floating mine.” Oman’s information ministry has not provided immediate comments regarding the warning.
As negotiations between Iran and the U.S. progressed toward an interim deal to halt hostilities, both sides allowed some vessels to exit the strait. U.S. President Donald Trump noted that the U.S. had been extracting millions of barrels of oil, while reports indicated that some states had negotiated terms with Tehran to secure safe passage for their vessels.
Recent shipping data shows an increase in the number of vessels passing through the strait, averaging 12 to 15 ships daily in recent weeks. However, this figure is significantly lower than the pre-war average of 120 to 140 vessels per day.
Ongoing Threat of Mines
In March, prior to the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, Iran’s National Defence Council warned that any aggression against Iranian coasts or islands would lead to the mining of access routes and communication lines throughout the Gulf. This statement was reported by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, which indicated that various types of naval mines, including floating mines that could be launched from shore, would be employed.
Iran’s foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment regarding these threats. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have deployed warships and minesweepers to the Middle East in anticipation of potential mine-clearing operations.
Corey Ranslem, CEO of maritime security group Dryad Global, noted that despite U.S. military strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s mine-laying capabilities, estimates suggest that Iran may still possess up to 1,000 naval mines. He warned that if a minefield is detected, the removal process could take weeks or even months.
Arsenio Dominguez, head of the U.N.’s shipping agency, welcomed the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as “an important step toward restoring safety in this vital maritime corridor.” However, he cautioned that implementing the agreement would require time to ensure all necessary safety and security guarantees are established.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-15 20:25:00 • By the Editorial Desk
