Asian Shipowners May Cross Hormuz First Amid Ceasefire, Navigating Sanctions and Risks
Shipping executives at the FT 'Commodities - Global Summit' indicated that Asian shipowners, with greater risk tolerance, may soon begin sailing through the Strait of Hormuz despite a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Asian companies can pay tolls more easily than Western firms, which comply with sanctions. Since February, hundreds of vessels have been stuck in the Middle East Gulf, causing significant energy supply disruptions. Some tankers managed to escape, but Iran halted movement by firing shots at other ships. Safety concerns and increased costs continue to affect the Hormuz trade, with the Advanced War Risk Premium set to rise.