Maritime experts have cautioned that the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger longer-lasting global trade disruptions compared to past shipping incidents, due to its complex geopolitical nature.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, officials highlighted that unlike the Suez Canal blockage in 2021, the current situation lacks a clear resolution timeline.
Mr Fred Asiedu Dartey of the Ghana Shippers Authority explained that the Suez Canal disruption, caused by the Ever Given, was resolved within days because it resulted from a technical and navigational issue.
In contrast, he noted that the Strait of Hormuz situation is driven by geopolitical tensions, making it unpredictable and difficult to manage.
Maritime consultant Francis Kwesi Micah revealed that thousands of vessels and tens of thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf region, underscoring the scale of the disruption.
He warned that even if hostilities were to end immediately, the damage to oil facilities, refineries, and production infrastructure would take months or even years to repair, prolonging the impact on global supply chains.
According to the experts, the crisis is expected to drive up the cost of goods worldwide, as reduced production capacity and disrupted shipping routes continue to affect supply.
They stressed that the situation represents a long-term challenge for global trade, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate conflict zone.
