struisvogelpolitiek in de geopolitiek: hoe nederlandse bedrijven worstelen met de stilgevallen straat van hormuz

2026-03-02 buitenland

Teheran, maandag, 2 maart 2026.
De Straat van Hormuz, verantwoordelijk voor een vijfde van de wereldwijde olie- en vloeibare gasexport, ligt stil. Raketaanvallen en geopolitieke spanningen tussen Iran en bondgenoten zoals de VS en Israël hebben de vaarroute praktisch leeggemaakt. Waar dagelijks 50 tot 80 tankers varen, zijn het er nu minder dan tien. Nederlandse bedrijven zoals Van Oord met hun baggerschip Artemis voor de kust van Oman houden de adem in. Veiligheidsrisico’s zijn toegenomen, verzekeraars trekken zich terug. De directe impact? Een sprong van 25% in de Europese gasprijzen op de TTF-gasbeurs in Amsterdam. Experts zoals Lucia van Geuns van het Haags Centrum voor Strategische Studies benadrukken de kwetsbaarheid van de wereldhandel. Terwijl olieprijzen stijgen en de AEX zakt, blijft de vraag of de stilte voorbijgaat of een nieuwe norm wordt.

escalating risks in the persian gulf

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. On March 1, 2026, drone and missile attacks disrupted maritime activity, reducing daily tanker transits from a typical 50–80 to fewer than ten [1]. The International Maritime Office recorded a 70% drop in vessel traffic by February 28 [8]. Attacks extended beyond the strait, striking ports in Oman, UAE, and Kuwait [8]. One crew member died following an attack on an oil tanker near Muscat [1]. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared no ships permitted passage [8].

energy markets respond sharply

European energy prices surged as supply concerns mounted. Natural gas prices on the TTF exchange in Amsterdam reached nearly €48/MWh, a 50% increase compared to earlier weekly averages [2]. Crude oil benchmarks rose approximately 10%, with Brent crude advancing from €72.48 to over €79 per barrel [2]. Analysts attribute the rise directly to disrupted flows through Hormuz, which normally carries 20% of globally traded oil and liquefied natural gas [2][3]. “This is a zorgelijke ontwikkeling,” said Lucia van Geuns of the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, noting Asia’s heavy reliance on Qatari LNG shipments via the strait [1][2].

netherlands feels ripple effects

Dutch businesses face growing logistical and financial pressure. The dredging vessel Artemis, owned by Royal Boskalis Westminster subsidiary Van Oord, remains docked off Muscat, Oman, awaiting safer conditions [1]. Company spokespersons emphasized crew safety as the top priority, confirming staff remain unharmed [1]. Meanwhile, insurers withdrew war-risk coverage for vessels entering the area effective March 2 [2]. This decision compounds delays and raises operating costs significantly. While the Ministry of Economic Affairs anticipates no immediate gas shortages, it warns of rising procurement expenses affecting household and industrial supplies [1].

global trade rerouted under duress

Major shipping firms are diverting cargo away from the Middle East entirely. Companies including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended transits through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal due to persistent threats [7]. Alternative routes around Africa add 10 to 15 days of sailing time, increasing fuel consumption and delivery timelines across supply chains [7]. Approximately 200 commercial vessels now wait offshore, unable to proceed safely [8]. Industry experts describe this situation as an ‘accumulation of misery’ for international freight operations [7]. Extended disruptions threaten inflationary pressures worldwide, particularly if alternative capacities prove inadequate [7].

regional actors navigate crisis diplomacy

Regional governments struggle to maintain stability amidst conflicting statements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly denied intentions to block the strait permanently, stating Iran lacks plans to disrupt navigation ‘at this stage’ [8]. Yet, IRGC commanders issued blanket prohibitions against maritime passage [8]. Neighboring states such as the UAE and Qatar reacted swiftly—Saudi Arabia shut down a key oil terminal after a drone assault, while Qatar paused liquid natural gas exports altogether on March 2 [1]. Hezbollah’s secretary-general Naim Qassem pledged resistance against U.S. and Israeli actions, further escalating rhetoric without announcing specific military measures [8].

Bronnen

Scheepvaart Straat van Hormuz