Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled, with only three vessels passing in the past 24 hours, according to shipping data. A U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has angered Tehran, leading to its own restrictions on this vital waterway, which typically handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply.
The Ean Spir products tanker and the Lian Star cargo ship, both lacking known flags or ownership, recently navigated through the strait after departing from Iraqi and Iranian ports, respectively. Additionally, the Meda liquefied petroleum gas tanker made a second attempt to exit the Gulf after initially turning back, highlighting the precarious situation for maritime traffic.
The ongoing tensions have left over 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf, raising concerns for their safety. UN shipping agency secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the risks, noting that recent incidents have endangered vessels. Meanwhile, Iran’s military reported that an Iranian tanker successfully entered its territorial waters despite U.S. threats.
Currently, around 61 non-Iran-related supertankers remain trapped in the Gulf, with significant cargoes, underscoring the urgency of the situation as the world faces rising crude oil demands.
Share it now
