Accra: Maritime experts say the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is far more complex and unpredictable than the 2021 Suez Canal blockage. Mr Fred Asiedu Dartey, Head, Freight and Logistics, Ghana Shippers Authority, and Captain Francis Kwesi Micah, Maritime Consultant, stated this during a media forum powered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on the theme: 'Impact of the Closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Trade, Supply Chain and the Shipping Industry.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dartey explained that the Suez Canal incident, caused by the Ever-Given vessel, delayed goods worth about 9.6 billion dollars but was resolved within six days. He noted that the Suez Canal blockage resulted from an operational error, which allowed for a quick resolution as resources were mobilized promptly to clear the canal, restoring the flow of vessels.
In contrast, Mr Dartey highlighted that the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz is geopolitical, lacking a clear timeline for resolution. He pointed out the unpredictability of the conflict, with conflicting reports suggesting both potential resolutions and prolonged disputes.
Captain Micah emphasized the magnitude of the current crisis, revealing that over 2,500 commercial vessels and about 20,000 seafarers are currently stuck in the Asian gulf. He underscored the severity of the situation by comparing it to the Suez Canal blockade, noting that while the latter was a navigational error with a solution, the geopolitical nature of the Hormuz crisis presents no clear end.
He warned that the crisis could lead to significant economic repercussions, with potential long-term impacts on goods prices and production capabilities. Captain Micah stressed that even after hostilities end, it could take months or years to recover from the damage to infrastructure and production systems.