Two Indian-flagged vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz, transporting 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Gulf nations. They are headed to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, expected to arrive by March 16 or 17, amid ongoing regional tensions.
The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a sanctions wind-down authorization allowing Russian oil vessels at sea to complete their journeys amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This license enables necessary transactions for loaded cargoes and supports essential maritime services, despite restrictions on Iran-related transactions. Effective until April 11.
A senior official has confirmed that the oil tanker Jag Prakash, one of 28 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, has successfully departed. It was transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa and is expected to reach Tanga, Tanzania, on March 21 amid escalating regional tensions.
A Turkish-owned ship, the Rozana, has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz after receiving Iranian permission, as confirmed by Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. Amid ongoing tensions, discussions continue regarding 14 other Turkish vessels awaiting passage. The situation has led to significant flight cancellations by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.
Norway has banned its merchant vessels from entering the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating attacks amidst the U.S.–Iran conflict. This significant shift from advisory status to an outright prohibition reflects a critical security threat level. The ban impacts global oil shipments, with vessels assessing their own operational risks before deciding to stay or leave.
On March 11, two bulk carriers and a container ship were attacked, leaving three seafarers missing from the Mayuree Naree, which was struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. While the crew’s safety is prioritized, the remaining members were evacuated to Oman, with rescue efforts for the trapped crew ongoing.
The suspension of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz raises alarms over India’s energy supplies, with crude oil, LNG, and LPG heavily reliant on West Asian imports. India’s existing reserves may cushion initial impacts, but prolonged disruptions could lead to limited gas supplies, driving inflation and slowing economic growth.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are alarming global markets, particularly energy and agriculture. The UNCTAD report highlights that this vital corridor, crucial for 25% of the world’s oil trade and significant fertilizer shipments, threatens developing economies already burdened by high debt and rising import costs, risking food insecurity.
The Philippines has confirmed that a Filipino seafarer is missing after an attack on a tugboat near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is providing support to the family while ensuring the safety of the seafarer’s colleagues. Authorities are monitoring the well-being of 6,400 Filipino seafarers in the region.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation into the sinking of the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz, where three Indonesian crew members are missing. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed collaboration with local authorities and emphasized the importance of safety for Indonesian nationals in the region.
The Indonesian foreign ministry has reported that three crew members are missing after the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 sank in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6. This incident follows a series of attacks on vessels in the region amid escalating tensions related to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep concern over the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in four seafarers’ deaths and three injuries. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the approximately 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
The International Maritime Organization reports that approximately 3,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Middle East due to escalating hostilities, particularly affecting the vital Strait of Hormuz. This closure threatens global trade, impacting 20% of the world’s oil supply and raising concerns over potential humanitarian crises.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has raised alarms about the unsafe conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. Following military strikes in February 2026, tensions have escalated, threatening navigation and the safety of approximately 20,000 seafarers. The surge in war risk insurance further complicates maritime operations.
The Gulf region’s security situation endangers vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting varied responses from the maritime industry. Major operators like Maersk have halted regional calls for crew safety, while some owners still navigate these risky waters. Industry bodies stress thorough risk assessments to prioritize seafarer wellbeing amid rising threats.
