Strait of Hormuz Crisis: 1500 Ships Stranded and Threats Paralyze Global Energy Movement

Global shipping is experiencing an unprecedented crisis with the continued closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, as international reports confirm approximately 1500 ships remain stranded in Gulf waters. This crisis has caused severe disruptions in global energy markets, leading to successive jumps in fuel prices due to the halt in supply flow through this strategic passage.

The International Maritime Organization reported that the imposed shipping blockade has led to a near-complete paralysis in the movement of tankers that secure about 20% of the world's oil and gas needs. These field developments are a direct reflection of the war that erupted on February 28, making commercial navigation vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts.

In official statements, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, revealed the extent of the humanitarian and logistical tragedy, noting the presence of about 20,000 seafarers trapped on board the stranded ships. Dominguez stressed that these crews perform vital tasks for the global economy, but they found themselves victims of complex political and military circumstances.

The international official explained that the maritime shipping sector represents the backbone of global trade, transporting more than 80% of consumed products. He warned that the continued disruption of passage through Hormuz threatens global supply chains in a way that may not be recoverable soon, especially with rising insurance costs and security risks facing tankers.

On the political front, US movements showed clear fluctuations, as President Donald Trump announced a plan for a naval operation aimed at escorting besieged ships and forcibly reopening the strait. However, Washington quickly backed down from this decision by suspending the operation, awaiting the outcome of diplomatic communications regarding proposals to end the war.

In an attempt to circumvent the blockade, shipping sources observed some LNG tankers resorting to concealment by turning off tracking and transmission devices while crossing the strait. According to data from the specialized company 'Kpler', five crossings by gas tankers were recorded in the past two weeks using this method to avoid targeting or detection.

Analyst Laura Page indicated that ship operators are exercising extreme caution given the enormous financial value of gas tankers and the limited global fleet available. This caution has led many companies to completely suspend their voyages or take long and costly alternative routes, exacerbating the energy crisis in consumer markets.

According to shipping records, the vessel 'Sohar' was the only one that risked crossing the strait between early March and late April, passing completely empty. By the end of April, some tankers associated with the UAE began attempts to cross loaded with cargo, taking advantage of periods of cautious calm or technical camouflage.

Among the ships that successfully crossed were the tankers 'Mubaraz' and 'Marwa', with navigation tracking data showing them turning off their broadcasting devices before entering dangerous areas. These ships reactivated their devices after long distances off the Indian coast or when approaching the Strait of Malacca, a clear indication of the extent of security risks in the Gulf.

Data from 'Bloomberg' and 'Global Fishing Watch' indicate that the tanker 'Mubaraz' had loaded its cargo from Das Island, UAE, before disappearing from radars for weeks. This pattern of 'grey' navigation has become the only option available to ensure some gas supplies reach major markets in China, Japan, and India.

In a dangerous field development, Chinese media sources reported that a Beijing-affiliated oil product tanker was subjected to an armed attack near the Strait of Hormuz early this month. This attack is the first of its kind to directly target a Chinese vessel, adding a new international dimension to the ongoing conflict and further complicating the maritime security landscape.

The attack on the Chinese tanker coincided with the confusion in the American position regarding navigation protection, as the incident occurred on the same day that Trump announced his military plan before retracting it. This security vacuum encouraged the escalation of hostile operations against commercial vessels, making the Strait of Hormuz a high-risk area globally.

International circles are currently awaiting the Iranian response to the proposed initiatives, amid fears that any further escalation could lead to a permanent closure of the strait. Informed sources confirm that ongoing negotiations primarily focus on ensuring a safe passage for stranded ships as a first step to build trust between the warring parties.

Amid this stalemate, other tankers such as 'Al Hamra' and 'Marigold' remain stranded inside the Gulf after their navigation signals were disrupted days ago. The fate of thousands of seafarers and the global economy remains dependent on the success of diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis and reopen the world's most important energy artery.

We have about 20,000 crew members and about 1500 ships trapped due to geopolitical situations beyond their control.