Hormuz shipping falls 90 percent with 20,000 sailors trapped

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen by more than 90 per cent since the conflict in the Middle East began, with fewer than ten vessels now passing through daily compared to around 130 before the strait was effectively closed, the Royal Navy-led team monitoring the region’s waters has warned.

UK Maritime Trade Operations, based on Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth, has recorded 41 incidents between 1 March and 27 April, including 26 attacks in which ships or crew were damaged or harmed either deliberately or through collateral damage such as shrapnel from intercepted drones, four incidents of merchant ships being harassed or impeded, and nine near-misses.

Commander Jo Black, UKMTO Head of Operations, described the calls from ships under attack as the most distressing the centre receives, saying it was “an absolutely terrifying experience for them, they’re civilians, they’re not prepared for this, drones, missiles, small arms fire aimed at their bridge or engine room, and threats to their safety.” She said many crew members spoke only rudimentary English and were trying to describe things often beyond their comprehension, with UKMTO working to calm them down and build an accurate picture to share with other seafarers and responding organisations.

Between 850 and 870 major merchant ships, including tankers, natural gas transporters, container vessels and cargo ships, are now clustered in anchorages inside the Gulf with nowhere to go. Commander Black said the centre’s first concern was for the safety and security of the approximately 20,000 sailors on those vessels, warning that crew changes were not taking place, sailors were not going home, and that while food and supplies were getting through at reduced levels, the mental health impact of a prolonged situation was a growing concern. “It’s not an issue yet, but if the situation persists, it’s likely to become one,” she said.

The attacks and threats of attack have all but closed the traffic separation scheme, the designated shipping lane traditionally used to enter and exit the Gulf safely. Despite claims by Iranian authorities, UKMTO said there had been no evidence yet of the strait being mined. The impact on global oil, food, energy and goods prices has been immediate and significant.

UKMTO also warned of resurgent piracy off the coast of Somalia, with the world’s attention focused on the Strait of Hormuz creating conditions in which activity in other parts of the region could go unnoticed.