The IMO Council has reaffirmed the vital importance of freedom of navigation in international straits, especially the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The resolution denounces attacks on civilian vessels, emphasizing the need for unimpeded transit passage and calling for cooperative maritime management in line with international law.
President Donald Trump has reinstated the U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz. This move asserts U.S. authority over a vital oil transit route. Trump emphasized, “the Strait is OPEN,” signifying a significant shift in U.S. policy amid escalating tensions with Iran.
On July 13, 2026, a tanker navigating south of Aden, Yemen, encountered six small boats, prompting UK Maritime Trade Operations to label the situation as “suspicious activity.” As one boat approached dangerously close, the tanker’s armed security team fired warning shots, highlighting ongoing maritime security concerns in the region.
A strengthening El Niño event is anticipated to be one of the strongest on record, raising alarms for global shipping. This follows the Panama Canal’s new draft restrictions for water conservation ahead of the dry season. With a high likelihood of intensification, significant impacts on agriculture and maritime trade are expected.
On July 13, vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted, with only six ships navigating, the lowest in five weeks. This drop coincides with rising U.S.-Iran tensions, increasing safety concerns for maritime operations. Notably, no liquefied natural gas tankers were seen entering the strait over the weekend.
Iran has announced a temporary safe maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over the critical waterway. This initiative, communicated to the International Maritime Organization, follows rising tensions with the US, which Iran accuses of violating agreements. Both nations have exchanged blame regarding disruptions in shipping routes.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are cautiously resuming transits through the Suez Canal after a year-long avoidance due to Houthi attacks. This tentative return follows a ceasefire in Gaza, though concerns over regional stability persist. Increased surcharges by the Suez Canal Authority in 2026 further complicate shipping dynamics for exporters.
Oil prices surged over 3% on Monday amid rising military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising fears about energy shipments through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose to $78.68, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $73.89, as shipping operators grew increasingly cautious amid escalating security threats.
Kongsberg Maritime is enhancing its marine propulsion capabilities by acquiring Berg Propulsion. This strategic move aims to strengthen Kongsberg’s position in the newbuild market and expand aftermarket services. With solutions on over 30,000 vessels, Kongsberg emphasizes high-value, performance-driven propulsion segments, aligning with evolving industry demands.
Tensions surged as Iran attacked Gulf states and closed the Strait of Hormuz, retaliating against U.S. strikes. Oman condemned drone assaults, successfully rescuing 23 crew members from a commercial vessel. The Indian Embassy confirmed ten nationals were among those saved, underscoring concerns over escalating maritime violence in the region.
The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping is investigating the M/V GFS Galaxy, a cargo vessel fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed ongoing communication with the ship’s management, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the vessel was targeted by Iranian forces. One crew member is still unaccounted for.
On July 12, 2026, Qatar’s Transport Ministry warned all maritime vessel owners to cease activities due to rising US-Iran tensions. This immediate suspension affects leisure boats, fishing vessels, and jet skis. Exemptions apply to compliant vessels. The advisory follows escalating military confrontations, including Iranian attacks on US installations.
The crew of a container ship abandoned their vessel after a fire in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by UKMTO. The U.S. military linked the incident to an attack by Iran’s IRGC. One crew member is missing, and the ship is severely damaged, halting its journey. The strait remains closed.
Three former crew members of the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree have filed a lawsuit against Precious Shipping Co. for labor rights violations and wrongful dismissal. Following a deadly attack in the Strait of Hormuz, they claim the operator endangered their lives and failed to provide adequate compensation for their trauma.
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has urgently called for de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 6,000 seafarers are trapped amid rising tensions. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned recent attacks on ships, emphasizing the urgent need for safe passage and the protection of innocent crews amidst escalating conflict.
