With reports of strikes on UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain following the joint Israeli and US attack on Iran shipping has been warned of greatly increased in security risks in the region.
“The US/Israeli attack on Iran dramatically increases the security risk to ships operating in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters,” said Jakob Larsen, Chief Safety & Security Officer for Bimco.
“Ships already in the area are expected to seek refuge in territorial waters of neutral States in the area such as United Arab Emirates or Qatar, and some ships may also want to try to leave the area entirely. Ships underway to the immediate conflict area are likely to stay away until the situation stabilises again.”
Skytek, a provider of intelligence services to marine insurances, said on a post on X that over 100 container ships, 450 oil and gas tankers and 200 bulk carriers were currently inside the Strait of Hormuz.
“Live traffic shows one-way flow OUT of the Gulf. No vessels entering the Strait,” the post said.
Maritime security firm Vanguard, said, “Vanguard is aware of credible reports of a loud explosion in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with additional explosions reportedly heard in Kuwait. Sirens have been activated in multiple locations. Bahrain has confirmed that the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet has been targeted by a missile attack. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reports that an Iranian missile was intercepted by Patriot air defence systems.”
According to Inchcape Shipping Services port operations in Bahrain have been suspended and an official circular was be awaited confirming this. Other ports in the region were reported to remain open and operational in most locations, with vessel movements and marine services continuing under local port authority guidance.
In terms of risks to shipping Vanguard said there was an elevated risk of misidentification between naval and commercial vessels, increased likelihood of disruption to tanker traffic, and increased risk to US, Israeli, and Western-affiliated vessels. Bimco also noted ships with US or Israeli links were more likely to be targeted in error.
“There are no confirmed impacts to commercial shipping or energy infrastructure at this time. However, the risk of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding Gulf waters has increased significantly. Vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz are advised to exercise extreme caution, maintain enhanced watchkeeping, and remain clear of military activity where feasible,” Vanguard said.
On the possibility that Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz Bimco’s Larsen said: “The Iranian naval forces have capabilities designed to disrupt shipping in and out of the Persian Gulf. In the short term it is assessed that Iran will be able to coerce commercial shipping to decide against entering the conflict area.”
US Navy Central Command has provided notice to mariners that dangerous military activities were taking place and that the establishment of a maritime warning zone was necessary to protect neutral shipping and aircraft. The zone covers the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping was advised to navigate the area with caution and avoid if possible.
“This maritime warning zone is not intended to impede neutral or merchant shipping. Those vessels are free to navigate international waters,” Bimco’s Larsen said.
