(SeaPRwire) –
By: Douglas Vance, a maritime defense scholar and naval intelligence briefing coordinator
The Strait of Hormuz is in chaos. Shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd warns of a “new normal” of high risk and unclear regulations. Military strikes have increased, and routing directives clash, causing operational mayhem in this vital waterway.
Tehran has started moving millions of barrels of crude oil from Kharg Island. Windward AI reported that the T-Jetty and Western Terminal loaded at the same time for the first time in days. The East Waiting Area holds 28 tankers, 27 of them “dark,” signaling a restart of the Iranian crude export cycle. Analytics firm Vortexa estimates the outbound cargo at 4.12 million barrels of wet cargo, with about 3.91 million barrels being crude oil.
Hapag-Lloyd’s spokesperson, Hanja Maria Richter, said the situation in the Persian Gulf has been fluid since the conflict began. The company regularly assesses risks with security partners, authorities, and its on – shore and on – vessel staff. Each ship’s risk and that of its crew are evaluated individually.
The situation worsened when U.S. Central Command launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island on June 26, after a vessel was struck in the strait. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by targeting U.S. military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. There’s also a power struggle over the transit lanes. Lloyd’s List described a “confused, two – tier system” in the strait, split between an Iran – controlled northern route and a U.S. – protected southern “highway,” with pre – war routes unusable due to mine risks.
Iran claims responsibility for managing and reopening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state television says passage requires coordination with the IRGC. Hapag – Lloyd opposes any attempt to weaponize or monetize passage through this global chokepoint. Richter argues that imposing fees on international waters is wrong, unlike fees for infrastructure like the Suez or Panama Canals.
Despite the chaos, Hapag – Lloyd managed to get its affected vessels out of the Persian Gulf safely. The company emphasizes the safety of its crews as the top priority.
Looking ahead, the Strait of Hormuz situation will likely remain volatile. The tug – of – war between the U.S. and Iran over the waterway will continue to impact global shipping and the oil market. Shipping companies need to stay vigilant and adapt to this new normal to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.
Author bio: Douglas Vance, a maritime defense scholar and naval intelligence briefing coordinator with expertise in geopolitical maritime issues.