800 Ships Stranded As Strait of Hormuz Stays Effectively Closed
Despite tentative ceasefire discussions, Iran’s naval forces have issued a stark warning that any vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz without their permission “will be targeted and destroyed”.
The warning follows a recent incident in which a containership was struck by an unidentified projectile roughly 25 nautical miles south of Kish Island. According to UK Maritime Trade Operations, the vessel sustained only above-waterline damage and no crew members were injured. However, the attack underscores the volatility of the situation and the risks facing commercial shipping.
Since late February, the waterway – one of the world’s most critical transit routes – has been effectively closed. Approximately 800 vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf, including around 450 energy carriers. By the end of March, an estimated 20,000 seafarers were stranded onboard, facing dwindling supplies and increasing psychological strain, according to a United Nations agency.
Following news of a potential ceasefire this week, more than 1,000 vessels were reportedly waiting to enter or exit the Strait, primarily clustered around Dubai and Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman. However, only around 10–12 vessels are understood to have transited the Strait yesterday, compared with 100–150 per day prior to the conflict.
The team at Atlantic Pacific continue to monitor developments.
