German shipowners have intensified pressure on the federal government to seek a diplomatic solution amid the debate over a possible military deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chief executive of the German Shipowners Association (VDR), Martin Kröger, told the “Rheinische Post” (Tuesday edition) that the government is “understandingly weighing the situation very carefully”. He clarified that Germany’s aim is not to get involved in war but to support global efforts that protect commercial shipping, at least from a political and diplomatic standpoint.
Kröger emphasized that Germany, as a major trading nation, has a core interest in secure sea lanes. “About two‑thirds of our imports and exports travel by sea-without safe maritime routes there is no free, stable trade” he said. He warned that those who want reliable supply for the economy and the public must not leave at sea those who shoulder high risks to keep trade moving.
Finally, Kröger pointed out that, independent of the current Gulf situation, the essential question is how far Germany values the protection of open and safe maritime trade routes, as well as the safety of the ships and their crews.
