FRANKFURT, April 17 (Reuters) - German shipping company

Hapag-Lloyd ( HLAGF ) will refrain from passing through the

Strait of Hormuz while it assesses the recent announcement that

the waterway will be open for the remaining period of ceasefire.

"We are now beginning to assess the new situation and the

risks involved," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

"For the time being, therefore, we are still refraining from

passing through the strait."