Ahead of Potential Hormuz Mission, Misbar Tracks Two German Naval Vessels Crossing the Suez Canal

Using maritime tracking data from MarineTraffic, Misbar’s team at Al Araby TV monitored the passage of the German minesweeper FULDA and the support vessel MOSEL through the Suez Canal on June 18, heading toward the Red Sea in a movement that coincides with German preparations for a possible naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

The transit follows remarks by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who stated that the minesweeper Fulda and support ship Mosel were crossing the Suez Canal toward the Red Sea in preparation for a potential mission to secure maritime navigation and conduct mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, should the necessary political and legal conditions be met.

Maritime Tracking Data

Misbar reviewed the technical tracking data of the German minesweeper FULDA, hull number M1058, registered under MMSI 211210380 and call sign DRFC.

The data shows that the vessel departed the German port of Brunsbüttel on May 8 and remained anchored off Port Said for approximately 14 hours before entering the Suez Canal early on June 18 at 04:45 a.m. It later appeared in the northern Red Sea traveling south at a speed of 9.5 knots with a draft of 3 meters, near coordinates 30.170053, 32.569207.

Technical Data of FULDA

In parallel, Misbar tracked the accompanying logistics support vessel MOSEL, hull number A512, registered under MMSI 211211490 and call sign DRHK.

Tracking data shows that Mosel departed Souda, Greece, on June 15 before arriving in the Port Said area almost simultaneously with Fulda. The vessel completed its transit through the canal at 04:36 a.m. on June 18, traveling at 10.6 knots with a draft of 4.1 meters, near coordinates 30.050314, 32.573849.

Preparations to Secure Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

The movement of the two vessels reflects a preliminary German naval deployment near strategic maritime corridors amid discussions of potential arrangements to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following reports of a U.S.-Iran agreement.

However, any direct German participation in mine-clearing operations remains contingent upon obtaining approval from both Iran and Oman, as well as securing a legal mandate and authorization from the German parliament, the Bundestag.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime checkpoints. Linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, it serves as a vital route for oil and gas exports from Gulf states to global markets.

Despite discussions regarding the reopening of the waterway following the reported U.S.-Iran agreement, shipping activity continues to depend on two key factors: the restoration of confidence among commercial shipping companies and confirmation that the route is free of naval mines and other maritime threats.

As a result, mine-clearing and maritime security operations are likely to be essential steps before traffic can return to normal levels, particularly given the significant impact any disruption in the strait can have on global energy markets and supply chains.

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