Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026, approximately 1,550 vessels with 20,000 seafarers have been stranded. Daily traffic has plummeted, leaving many vessels idle for 90 days. Prolonged inactivity poses technical challenges, particularly regarding fuel quality, necessitating immediate sampling and analysis for safe return to service.
In April, coal shipments to Japan, South Korea, and the EU rose by 27% year-on-year, fueled by tight gas supplies and LNG disruptions. Despite typical seasonal declines, a 1% month-on-month increase occurred. BIMCO warns ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruptions may further boost coal demand as utilities shift from gas to coal.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has created uncertainty for global shipping, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, where 4% of dry bulk cargoes transit. With 210 ships currently trapped, two scenarios emerge: indefinite closure could weaken supply-demand balance by 2027, while a quick reopening might sustain robust market conditions through 2026.
An oil spill at the Deurganckdock in Antwerp-Bruges has led to significant disruptions, closing a portion of the River Scheldt. The incident, linked to a bunkering operation, has raised environmental alarms as oil spreads into sensitive areas. Cleanup crews are mobilized, but navigation remains suspended, impacting vital shipping routes.
Transit shipping through the Dardanelles Strait has been temporarily halted due to severe weather, as announced by authorities in Türkiye’s Canakkale province. The Turkish Strait Vessel Traffic Services informed captains that navigation is suspended for safety. Local ferry services also faced cancellations, affecting connections to Aegean islands amid the storm.
The krill fishery off Antarctica has surged this year, prompting the CCAMLR to close the season early. With a catch of 620,000 tonnes in just six months, concerns about ecosystem impact have risen. Experts urge precautionary management to protect marine predators reliant on krill, highlighting the risks of intensified competition.
