The tanker was still on course for its destination in Bahrain on Tuesday afternoon, scheduled to arrive at the port Sitrah on Feb. 5, information from the MarineTraffic website showed

Iranian armed boats closed on the US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative in the inbound traffic lane of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday approximately 30km north of Oman, according to Vanguard Tech and ordered it to stop and prepare for boarding, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations advisory 001-26. The alert said the master reported being hailed on VHF by numerous small armed craft 16 nautical miles north of Oman within the inbound traffic separation scheme. The tanker ignored the demands and maintained its planned course as authorities began investigating which . the vessel is now being escorted by a US warship

Several small armed vessels 

It is noteworthy that the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) — which gathers reports on threats to shipping — reported the incident and said authorities were investigating. Several small armed vessels attempted to contact the tanker via VHF radio, but it ignored the request to stop and continued on its planned route, according to the UKMTO. The agency did not specify the nationalities of the boats involved in the incident.

Without the required permits.

On the other hand Iran's semi-official Fars news agency quoted unnamed officials saying that a vessel had entered Iranian waters without the required permits. The ship was warned and left the area "without any special security event taking place", the authorities reportedly said.

A statement of  U.S. Central Command

Meanwhile U.S. Central Command issued a statement confirming the incident, saying, "Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached M/V Stena Imperative (IMO 9666077, MMSI 338638000 -sailing under the flag of USA. ) at high speeds and threatened to board and seize the tanker."CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul immediately responded to the scene and escorted the ship with defensive air support from the U.S. Air Force. "The situation de-escalated as a result, and the U.S.-flagged tanker is proceeding safely," he said. The tanker was still on course for its destination in Bahrain on Tuesday afternoon, scheduled to arrive at the port Sitrah on Feb. 5, information from the MarineTraffic website showed

The threat to close the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Bordered by Iran to the north and Oman/UAE to the south, it serves as the world's most critical oil chokepoint, with roughly 20% of global oil consumption passing through it daily   Meanwhile  A senior Iranian official from the Revolutionary Guards threatened last week to block passage of the Strait in the event of a U.S. attack, and the Guards also held military exercises over the weekend in the strategic waterway.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington 

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have sharply escalated in recent weeks. The US has increased its naval presence in the Middle East and President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran over its bloody crackdown on recent nationwide protests.

About : Stena Bulk

Stena Bulk is one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies transporting oil, refined products and chemicals. The company currently owns, charters or operates a total of 62 vessels in global service. Safety of personnel, cargo and the environment are fundamental to its operations. Stena Bulk consolidates its position as one of the world’s leading players in the tanker industry and plays a key role in the global transport of crude oil, refined products and chemicals.With a fleet of 62 vessels – owned, leased or managed – the company ensures efficient and safe shipping around the world. Safety, sustainability and operational excellence are at the heart of the business.

The tanker market

The tanker market is known for its cyclical nature with strong fluctuations in rates and vessel prices. In 2024, the market remained strong, with high freight rates, stable time charter rates and rising vessel values. This enabled Stena Bulk to achieve a strong result, creating scope for investments in vessels, technology and strategic partnerships. An example of this is the contracting of four modern tankers for delivery between 2025 and 2026, which will be chartered from a Japanese owner under long-term agreements.

The global tanker market is strongly affected by geopolitical factors, changing trade patterns and an increasingly complex regulatory environment – not least due to greater demands to reduce carbon emissions. In light of this, Stena Bulk continues to develop innovations in energy efficiency and sustainable fuels.

About : Crowley

Crowley provides maritime, logistics and energy services including vessel operations, ship management, offshore support and government shipping programmes supporting US commercial and strategic maritime requirements.

Crowley is primarily a major U.S.-based, family- and employee-owned company providing maritime, energy, and logistics solutions, founded in 1892. Operating globally with over 6,300 employees, it offers services including vessel management, shipping, and supply chain management. It is also a city in Texas and a surname. 

Related  : Ambrey: Oil tanker veered towards Iran after small boats approached it

Source  : Agencies 

#Crowley Stena Bulk# M/V Stena Imperative #The Strait of Hormuz #senior Iranian official #Trump #Capt. Tim Hawkins