International maritime industry associations have welcomed with a sigh of relief the signing of the agreement between the United States and Iran to negotiate an end to hostilities, which includes arrangements to allow the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, there are still considerable uncertainties highlighted by Jakob Larsen, head of the "Iran and the United States," he explained, "have now agreed to allow transit through the Strait of Hormuz, but significant security risks remain. The the central part of the Strait is mined and not navigable, and only coastal traffic areas close to Oman and Iran they would be free of mines. Despite the signing of the ceasefire - Larsen noted - we believe that the situation safety for the maritime sector continues to be precarious. Because of the risk of congestion and accidents of in coastal traffic areas - warned the BIMCO representative - we still consider it risky for ships start transits at this time and we advise owners to continue to carry out accurate risk assessments and to make appeal to all parties to ensure that the safety of seafarers is the top priority."

The association highlighted that the memorandum of understanding signed does not offer sufficient information on key aspects such as routes safe, measures to separate ship traffic, departure sequence of ships from the Persian Gulf, reporting procedures, procedures ship safety procedures, ship protection procedures and emergency response. In particular, according to BIMCO, the threat of mines in the area is a concern both for the in the immediate and long term, and it is necessary to establish routes free of these devices and, before ship traffic can return to pre-war levels, both sides in conflict they must provide credible guarantees.

Intertanko, the international association that represents The liquid bulk shipping segment, highlighted the need to urgently clarify the practical measures essential to ensure the safety of the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Second Intertanko, first of all it is necessary to clear mines the route of the Strait Traffic Separation Scheme, which should be follow a clear and unequivocal message to the industry from all governments involved. In addition, while waiting for the TSS to be reclaimed and before it is officially declared safe for transit naval sector, more clarity would be needed on the two options of alternative routes, North and South, to ensure safe transit of ships entering and leaving the Persian Gulf, alternatives that in the opinion of the association should be closed Once the main route is restored,

"Going forward - Phillip Belcher then specified, Marine director of Intertanko - it will be necessary to underline the status of transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding states that no tolls for the first 60 days. However, the future is uncertain and will be determined by Iran as a result of the dialogue with Oman and discussions with the Gulf States. The final outcome of These discussions must be a confirmation of the principle According to which the Strait of Hormuz must remain exempt toll and open to all in accordance with the Convention on the Law of the Sea UNCLOS. Once they have completed In these steps, the shipping industry should have the security necessary to resume the transport of goods and resources through the area, and seafarers will be able to return to the role for which they were trained, instead of being placed in frontline in a geopolitical conflict."

"Without clarity on these issues - added the Director General of Intertanko, Tim Wilkins - ships will not be safe if they cross or not the Strait of Hormuz. Some ships, of course, will start to move. It's natural. But the shipowners have adopted a Very cautious approach. The safety of seafarers has been their top priority and no one wants to compromise This approach that prioritizes security, now that things are seem to be going in the right direction. We must remind everyone the States involved that the Traffic Separation Scheme, recognised in international level, was introduced in 1968 to support the safe transit of ocean-going merchant ships operate internationally and to avoid the risks of navigation, thus ensuring safety at sea".