The German Navy minehunter Fulda departed from the Kiel-Wik naval base on Monday, heading toward the Mediterranean amid discussions over a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.

Images showed crew members preparing onboard before the vessel sailed out of port.

The ship carries up to 45 personnel and is expected to remain at sea for around two weeks.

German officials have said any future mission near Hormuz would require approval from the Bundestag and a secure legal basis, potentially including a UN mandate.

The deployment discussions come amid continued tensions affecting maritime security in the region.