Hormuz Strait Shipping Nearly Halted Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz came to a near standstill on Monday (20th) as Iran began attacking vessels transiting the waterway and the United States continued its airstrikes on the country, sparking global concerns over energy supply disruptions and sending crude oil and European natural gas prices higher.

According to vessel tracking data, a few ships attempting to pass through the strait have taken extreme concealment measures. A Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier turned off its transponder while approaching Omani waters from the Persian Gulf; additionally, a liquefied petroleum gas tanker suspected to belong to Iran’s export 'shadow fleet' was spotted nearing the strait. Another Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was seen on Sunday to have successfully transited the strait, evidently having kept its transponder off throughout the journey.

Bloomberg reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed four vessels were targeted for ignoring warnings, taking 'unsafe routes,' and attempting to force passage with transponders off. Iranian state media, citing the IRGC, stated that two of the vessels 'experienced incidents' and were intercepted and stopped.

The UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) also confirmed a maritime attack. A vessel was struck by an unknown projectile northwest of Kumzar, causing a fire that remains unextinguished, with the ship now drifting. However, authorities have not disclosed the vessel’s identity.

One of the suspected targets of Iran may have been the tanker 'Kavomaleas.' Managed by Greek firm Dynacom Tankers Management, the vessel was scheduled to load cargo in the Persian Gulf over the weekend but was found anchored at the tip of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula on Monday.

Although Iran has approved the northern route close to its coastline, many vessels seeking safety prefer to sail near Omani shores, frequently turning off transponders and sometimes receiving support from U.S. military forces.