New Delhi, March 6: A maritime crisis is unfolding in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating military tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The situation has become increasingly unstable over the past 24 to 48 hours.
Several commercial vessels have been targeted by projectiles, missiles, and explosive attacks, effectively halting maritime traffic in this vital waterway.
Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iranian positions at the end of February, Iran has initiated retaliatory actions. Reports confirm attacks on multiple merchant ships.
At least three to eight commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a container ship, have been reported damaged. These assaults involved drone boats, missiles, and close-range explosions, resulting in at least one sailor’s death and several injuries.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, as nearly 20% of the world’s maritime oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it. Recently, only a handful of vessels have been sighted, significantly below normal levels.
Hundreds of ships, including oil tankers and LNG carriers, remain trapped in the area or have sought refuge in safer locations. Major shipping operators like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have completely halted transit through the Hormuz route. Some vessels are now being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing travel time and costs considerably.
Compounding these threats, persistent GPS and AIS jamming have severely compromised navigation safety.
Maritime intelligence firms have recorded electronic interference in over 1,100 vessels in recent days, leading to false location displays for many ships.
Numerous war risk insurance providers have canceled coverage for Iranian waters, the Persian Gulf, and surrounding areas, making alternative measures costly and challenging for shipowners.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has raised the threat level in the region to critical, indicating that attacks are highly likely.
The U.S. MARAD advisory has urged vessels to avoid the area if possible, maintain a distance of 30 nautical miles from naval assets, and implement enhanced safety measures. Merchant ships are advised to exercise heightened vigilance, increase monitoring, cross-verify all navigation inputs (including radar and visual bearings), and strictly adhere to the “Best Management Practices (BMP5 or MS)” security protocols while transiting or operating in the area.
