The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and the Silk Road
Following the war events in the Gulf, energy supply chains for the Arab Gulf states, which pass through the Strait of Hormuz, were disrupted. Some Gulf countries began searching for alternative routes and corridors. One of the most prominent lessons and positive outcomes of the current war events is the search for secure routes and passages far from the Strait of Hormuz to enhance and strengthen the maritime and land transport system, and to accelerate efforts to build routes and corridors for the Silk Road. Among the new alternatives and routes are the laying of land pipelines toward the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some long-term logistical corridors linking the Arab Gulf states with East Asian and European countries. While these alternatives do not completely replace the Strait of Hormuz, they alleviate pressure and contribute to the continuity and sustainability of export and import operations.
The operation of the Silk Road relies heavily on the construction and development of commercial road networks between countries. One of the most prominent Silk Road projects in the region is the Iraqi Development Road, which links the port of Al-Faw in the north to the Turkish border, opening a new outlet and route for Gulf countries toward European and Asian nations. China, through the Belt and Road Initiative related to the Silk Road, seeks to link Gulf ports with global commercial road and passage networks. Kuwait is among the first Gulf countries to join this initiative, as its geographical location gives it a distinctive position in the future planning of Silk Road commercial routes. Kuwait possesses the Port of Mishref (Mubarak Al-Kabeer), which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, the Silk Road project is included in Kuwait Vision 2035. If these projects are completed and connected to regional road and railway networks, they can transform Kuwait from a country dependent on a single corridor into a hub for Gulf connectivity in major trade routes in the region.
To achieve this, the government must work on completing the construction of the Port of Mishref and the Silk Road City, and connecting them to road networks toward Iraq and the port of Al-Faw. It should also establish partnerships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to secure alternative export routes via Red Sea and Arabian Sea ports. Additionally, existing pipeline lines should be utilized, and partnerships should be formed to build oil storage facilities in Asian ports to mitigate the impact of any temporary disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait’s current ports should also be developed to accommodate large commercial vessels and the significant trade movement expected in the coming periods, serving as a starting point for maritime and land shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis represents a major challenge for Gulf countries and the world. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity for joint action, cooperation, innovation, and development to search for sustainable commercial routes and pathways. With its geographical location and major projects, Kuwait has a significant opportunity to transform into a regional logistics hub linking the Arab Gulf states with Iraq and Asia.
Fawaz Ahmed Al-Hamad
