Strait of Hormuz Chaos: Over 750 Commercial Ships U-Turn Amid Iranian Threats
No fewer than 750 commercial vessels including heavy weights like CMA CGM, Hapag Lloyd, and others are making u turns avoiding straits of Hormuz.over the war between Iran versus US and Israel in the Middle East.
Escalating tensions in the Arabian Gulf have triggered widespread shipping disruptions after Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes following the US-Israel killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian forces broadcaStrait st VHF warnings on Channel 16 claiming the Strait of Hormuz is closed, with no ships allowed to pass, according to reports from UKMTO and a recording obtained by the media.
While the Joint Maritime Information Center confirmed no official closure notice, major shipping firms are heeding the threats.
Vessels are turning back en masse: CMA CGM’s San Antonio u-turned while exiting the Persian Gulf (Credit: Screenshot from Pole Star Global PurpleTrac). Lars Jensen of Vespucci Maritime tracked five container ships reversing course on February 28, including three from CMA CGM, plus five others avoiding entry.
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Hapag-Lloyd suspended all Strait transits until further notice. CMA CGM instructed all vessels in or bound for the Persian Gulf to seek shelter immediately.
Reuters reported tanker owners, oil majors, and trading houses halting shipments, with two major container lines publicly pausing operations.
Skytek intelligence noted over 100 container ships, 450 oil/gas tankers, and 200 bulk carriers inside the Strait as of February 28.
Strikes intensified on March 1, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowing their “most ferocious” operation against Israel and US bases.Dubai’s Jebel Ali port saw a fire from drone debris interception; operations suspended per Inchcape Shipping Services.
No injuries reported.Oman’s Port of Duqm faced two drones: one hit workers’ accommodation, injuring an expatriate; the second landed near fuel tanks.Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight (11,622 dwt, US OFAC-sanctioned) was hit 5 nm north of Khasab Port.
Its 20 crew—15 Indians, 5 Iranians—evacuated; four treated for injuries.Oman’s Maritime Security Center confirmed the Skylight attack, managed by sanctioned Red Sea Ship Management.The crisis threatens global energy and trade routes through this vital chokepoint.