German commercial shipping expects that the return of vessels from the Persian Gulf will take several months. According to Martin Kröger, the CEO of the Association of German Shipowners (VDR), the group estimates a minimum of three months, though it might take even longer, before all ships are back. Kröger stated this on Monday to RTL and ntv, noting that the Strait of Hormuz is anticipated to reopen following a framework agreement between the United States and Iran.
Kröger highlighted that numerous ships have been anchored or operational in the Gulf region for approximately four months. Because of this prolonged situation, he admitted that “it is truly difficult to estimate how long the vessels will take.” The eventual transit time also depends on the specific route taken to Germany.
The CEO pointed out that if a ship is traveling to Germany, the key factor is whether transit through the Red Sea is possible, which he noted remains problematic at the moment. Depending on this routing, Kröger estimated that if ships can pass through the Red Sea, the journey takes about one week; if they must take an alternative route, it will take approximately two weeks to arrive in Germany.
