Strait of Hormuz Mine-Clearing Delays Could Halt Oil Shipments for Weeks, Officials Warn

The effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines following the U.S.-Iran conflict could take 40 to 50 days, significantly delaying the resumption of normal shipping traffic and risking tens of millions of oil barrels, according to maritime security officials and industry experts.

Why the Delay? Mine-Sweeping Operations Could Last Weeks

Conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones are expected to take 40 to 50 days to ensure the strait is safe, according to five Western maritime security sources. This timeline could delay oil shipments, exacerbating global supply tensions as stockpiles in major economies reach levels not seen since 2003, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“We still consider it very risky for ships to commence transits at this point,” said Jakob Larsen, chief safety & security officer at BIMCO, a shipping association. “The threat of mines in the area remains a concern immediately as well as further down the line and mine-free routes need to be established.”

Key Stakeholders’ Concerns: Insurance and Shipping Companies Hesitate

Insurance companies, shipping firms, and oil producers are awaiting confirmation of safe passage before resuming operations. A single mine could devastate a vessel worth up to $300 million, prompting underwriters and operators to demand guarantees, industry officials said.

“One sea mine is enough to have fatalities,” said Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO of V.Group, which has 13 ships trapped in the Gulf. “That’s obviously a massive issue for global shipping.”

Global Oil Market Implications: Supply Bottlenecks Loom

The strait, which handles 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, has seen shipping traffic remain well below pre-war levels. While 12 to 15 vessels per day have passed through recently, this is a fraction of the 120 to 140 daily before the conflict, according to shipping data.

Iran has not confirmed whether it deployed mines in the strait, but U.S. officials have accused the country of “mining large segments of Hormuz — international waters,” according to a June 2 statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Germany’s navy reported detecting mines in four locations around the strait, though verification remains pending.

International Efforts: Navies Deploy to Aid Mine Clearing

The U.S., Britain, France, and Germany have dispatched warships and minesweepers to the region. U.S. Central Command confirmed ongoing efforts to clear mines laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, though details remain classified for security reasons.

“The implementation of the ceasefire will require time to ensure that all necessary safety and security guarantees are in place,” said Arsenio Dominguez, head of the UN’s shipping agency, welcoming the deal to reopen the strait.

What’s Next? Mine-Clearing Challenges and Market Risks

Corey Ranslem of Dryad Global estimated Iran possesses up to 1,000 naval mines, with some areas potentially taking weeks or months to clear. The U.S. has targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels, but the full extent of the threat remains unclear.

Oman’s Maritime Security Centre warned of a “floating mine” sighting near its waters, underscoring ongoing risks. Despite limited progress, some vessels have navigated the strait under U.S.-Iran coordination, though full recovery remains uncertain.