Damascus, March 8 (SANA) Maritime activity in the Arabian Gulf has sharply declined, with hundreds of vessels halted in open waters due to the military escalation between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The tension has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, increased insurance and shipping costs, intensified interference with navigation systems and prompted several Gulf states to suspend oil and gas production at some facilities.
With the escalation that began in March 2026, insurance companies cancelled war-risk coverage for ships operating in the Gulf, leading to higher shipping costs and import prices and negatively affecting the transport sector. As a result, many commercial vessels halted operations due to high insurance costs and stricter coverage conditions.
According to The Maritime Executive magazine, the disruptions have significantly affected the global shipping sector, with increased restrictions on ports and changes in maritime routes, impacting oil and energy markets and the global economy. Despite US efforts to provide alternative guarantees for vessels, ships stranded in the area are awaiting developments in the security situation, while daily maritime traffic has fallen from around 100 vessels to much lower levels, threatening the flow of essential goods and commodities.
According to the UK-based maritime services company Clarkson Research Services, about 3,200 vessels—around 4 percent of global shipping capacity—are currently stranded in Gulf waters. More than 100 container ships and about 500 other vessels, including oil tankers, are waiting to transit toward Gulf coasts, while some periods have witnessed almost no vessel movement.
Amid the changing security situation, QatarEnergy cancelled some contractual obligations related to liquefied natural gas shipments after production was halted, while Bahrain’s Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) reduced aluminum supplies. Major shipping companies including Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM redirected vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, adding several days to travel times and increasing operational costs.
The International Maritime Organization warned that the escalation in the Gulf poses a serious threat to commercial vessels and civilian sailors, recommending that maritime companies temporarily avoid passing through affected areas until the security situation improves.
The escalation in the Gulf region poses a clear threat to maritime activity, directly affecting global shipping, international trade and oil and energy markets, as rising security and insurance costs prompt calls for rapid solutions to protect supply chains and stabilize maritime navigation.
M.Q.R
