What will it take to free 1,600 ships stuck in the deep waters of Hormuz? –

For thousands of sailors stranded on nearly 1,600 ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Project Freedom turned out to be more of a stopover than a passage. US President Donald Trump’s much-talked-about plan to help commercial ships cross one of the world’s most dangerous waterways lasted just 48 hours, with only two ships passing under US military guidance before the operation was temporarily halted, according to CNN.That has left most shippers and crews in limbo, with missiles still flying over the 21-mile-long strait despite the ceasefire, and few willing to risk moving.

“Nothing short of a true peace agreement that is demonstrated and proven will gain the confidence of the commercial shipping community,” Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, told the agency.Seroka, who previously worked in the Middle East for major shipping company American President Lines, said he had not spoken to any shipping executive willing to move cargo or crew through the strait, even with U.S. military support.

Before the conflict began, about 120 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day, carrying a large share of the world’s oil. But for more than two months, many ships have been waiting for a safe opportunity to depart.The risk is not limited to safety alone, as a damaged ship could cost companies millions, and many insurance companies are not required to cover losses during war under current contracts. US Secretary Rubio said that the Trump administration contacted several shipping companies to offer support through the “Freedom Project,” but only a few agreed.

Danish shipping giant Maersk said one of its ships was among two vessels escorted by the US military. The company said the ship “has not been able to leave” the Persian Gulf since the fighting began in February.Hapag-Lloyd was also considering using US military assistance to move its four remaining ships before the program was paused. “Since the situation changed again overnight, we need to know if it will work and how it will work,” said Niels Haupt, senior director of group communications at Hapag-Lloyd.

Haupt also said that another overnight attack on a container ship, which caused casualties, showed how dangerous the route was.

The devastation continues in Hormuz

Since the start of the war, 32 ships have been hit by missiles, killing 10 people and wounding at least 12 others, according to the International Maritime Organization. The International Maritime Organization asked ships to “exercise extreme caution” and warned that “maritime escort is not a sustainable solution in the long term.”A regional source familiar with the talks told CNN that the United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement to end the war, but the Trump administration has warned that the talks have suddenly failed before.After Trump temporarily suspended Project Freedom, Iran said ships could still travel safely through the strait under “new measures.” Iran has also launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which, according to state-owned Press TV, will manage ship traffic and tolls in the region.The United States has previously said that Iran does not have the authority to control the waterway. Shipping companies still need much stronger evidence that the route is actually safe before they move, Seroka said. “They will need to have more confidence in the safety and security of straight-line traffic before taking this step,” he said.