2500 Commercial Ships & 20,000 Seafarers Remain Stuck In Middle East

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen by 90% following a series of Iranian strikes on commercial ships in the region and the closure of the strategic waterway as the U.S.-Iran war continues.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) reports that approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded, unable to safely pass through the chokepoint.

Per reports, 2,500 commercial vessels, including 178 crude oil tankers, have remained stationary since March 5.

At least 17 incidents have been reported since February 28, resulting in 4 confirmed deaths and 3 missing crew members.

Many vessels are now darkening their AIS transponders or broadcasting “Chinese-owned” signals to avoid detection and ensure the safety of the crew.

The war has severely disrupted the flow of oil and gas, not to forget surging oil prices and a lack of private war-risk insurance.

In response, the Trump administration launched a $20 billion maritime reinsurance program via the DFC to provide affordable war-risk cover and stabilise trade.

He also said that US naval ships will provide escorts for commercial vessels, though no formal operations have begun.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has urged “maximum caution” as the industry waits for the security situation to stabilise.

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