Dutch firms with Middle East operations monitor crisis as foreign firms evacuate staff

Dutch companies with operations in the Middle East are closely tracking regional developments following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has threatened retaliatory actions, including potentially closing the critical shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.

Fugro, a Dutch geotechnical and geophysical services company with offices in the United Arab Emirates, said it is monitoring the situation carefully. “It is certainly tense. We are closely observing the situation, looking at where everyone is located and assessing the risks. We are taking a situational approach,” a company spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that there are currently no plans for evacuation, noting the Middle East is a large and complex region.

ING Bank, also present in the region, maintains a team of about a dozen staff members in the UAE. A spokesperson said the bank is following the developments and will take action if necessary. Similarly, dredging and maritime services company Boskalis said it is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to respond if needed.

Meanwhile, Japanese banks have already begun withdrawing staff from locations including Dubai, according to reports released Monday.

Shell CEO Wael Sawan last week described the situation as “very cautious,” particularly with regard to maritime operations in the Middle East. Sawan highlighted disruptions to navigation signals in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf as “particularly challenging.” He added, “We have contingency plans ready should the situation deteriorate.”

The Italian oil company Eni is already evacuating personnel from an oil field in Iraq as a precaution. The company stated it is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with both local and Italian authorities. Eni confirmed it has no operations in Iran.