Some shipowners are considering canceling voyages to the Middle East, citing a war clause that permits them to do so in the event of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran

A fleet of 750 vessels amassed in the Strait of Hormuz, with ships from Japan among them. 

Approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the narrow waterway daily in 2024

Oil shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which links the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the open seas, has largely paused after the U.S. and Israel bombed Iran. Iranian media has said that the waterway is “practically closed.” Ships reported hearing a radio broadcast purportedly from the Iranian Navy announcing a ban on transit through the waterway. Although there has been no formal announcement from Tehran regarding the strait's status, several tankers that had been heading toward Hormuz have turned around in recent hours. The strait is crucial for the flow of oil and gas. Many had already paused near the entrance to the waterway to wait after the bombing started.

The disruption is affecting from crude oil tankers to container ships

The disruption is affecting everything from crude oil tankers to container ships carrying furniture. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for energy markets because one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and liquefied natural Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency described the waterway as effectively shut and reported that the country's Revolutionary Guard warned ships that transiting Hormuz is not safe. Subsequently, Hapag-Lloyd AG, a German container liner, said it is suspending transits through Hormuz due to its "official closure."

The U.S. warned shipping vessels

Traffic had already decreased significantly following the attacks, and earlier reports indicated that tankers were accumulating inside and outside the entrance to the strait. The U.S. warned shipping vessels in the region to stay 30 nautical miles away from its military assets. Meanwhile, maritime insurance intelligence company Skytek (Dublin, Ireland) reports that more than 100 container ships, 450 oil and gas tankers, and 200 bulk carriers are currently positioned in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with Japan-linked vessels believed to be among them.A one-way flow of vessels is evident in the Gulf, with inbound navigation currently stalled.

Canceling voyages to the Middle East

Shipbrokers said that some shipowners were considering canceling voyages to the Middle East, citing a war clause that allows them to do so if hostilities break out between the U.S. and Iran, among other countries. This could tighten the supply of vessels in the region and further support the high freight rates that have recently reached their highest level in years.

Shaden , KHK Empress and Chinese-owned New Vision 

The Shaden supertanker (IMO 9779848, MMSI 403530000 - sailing under the flag of Saudi Arabia.)came to a halt while approaching the Strait of Hormuz, apparently to leave the region with a cargo of Saudi crude. Meanwhile, the Chinese-owned New Vision appears to be continuing its outward transit. However, the ship's speed, as reported by its automated information system, is erratic, ranging from zero to 102 knots.

While the very large crude carrier KHK Empress  (IMO 9830965, MMSI 563073400 - sailing under the flag of Singapore.) was heading through the Strait of Hormuz for Basra when it made a U-turn and headed back toward the Arabian Sea earlier in the day. The ship had been part-loaded with Omani crude. Its destination was changed from Basra to New Mangalore, India, where it is expected to arrive Monday.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the narrow waterway daily in 2024, equivalent to nearly 20 percent of global liquid oil consumption.

About : The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital transit route for LNG. According to ship-tracking data, at least three gas tankers bound for or departing from Qatar have paused their voyages to avoid the waterway. Qatar is the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, accounting for 20% of last year's supply, and its shipments must pass through the Strait to reach buyers in Asia and Europe.

Related : Lloyd’s List : A maritime warning zone is in place as the U.S. and Israel launch "massive" strikes on Iran.

Agencies 
#The Strait of Hormuz #KHK Empress #Shaden supertanker #shipowners # Middle East #Oil shipping # Qatar#Hapag-Lloyd #U.S # Skytek #Iran #Israel #Europe.