Defense, Dutch shipping companies to discuss increased tensions on Persian Gulf

The umbrella organization for Dutch shipping companies KVNR will be meeting with the Ministry of Defense on Monday to discuss increased tensions on the Persian Gulf. Recent attacks on oil tankers in the region prompted fears that more commercial ships may be targeted.

The KVNR confirmed Monday's meeting to NU.nl after reports in AD. KVNR director Annet Koster said that Dutch companies are "increasingly" worried about the tensions in the area. "At first it seemed to involve incidents, now it seems that there is more going on", she said to AD. "I hope and think that we can organize the security of Dutch ships and subjects in a different way. For example by working together with other governments. For us, the most important thing is that safety is guaranteed, doesn't matter how."

Following two attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman last week, the British Navy deployed a hundred men to help protect British ships in the area. The United States already deployed naval and air forces to the area after four oil tankers were attacked of the coast of the United Arab Emirates last month.