Strait of Hormuz: Diver Fees Surge to $8,000 as Ships Await Peace Deal

More than 600 commercial vessels have been trapped in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz since the war erupted in late February. After U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary peace agreement with Iran, demand for specialist divers who clean barnacle (krill) build‑up from ship hulls has jumped more than thirty‑fold.

Maanadip Singh Kookrez, chief inspector of Prominence Shipping Services LLC in Dubai, said cleaning crews are now asking up to $8,000 per ship – a 60 % increase from the previous $5,000 rate – as owners rush to prepare vessels for the expected reopening of the strait. The hull‑cleaning work is essential because heavy barnacle growth can impair navigation safety and cause many ports to reject affected ships. The intensity of the cleaning varies, with some ships only coated in slime while others are fully encrusted, requiring more labor‑intensive techniques.

The surge in diver fees reflects a short‑term “gold rush” for maritime service providers, who hope to capitalize on the window before the United States and Iran finalise the agreement that will allow ships to resume transit through the strategic waterway.