Another Vessel Attacked Amid Stagnant Strait of Hormuz Traffic as Reopening Remains Far Off

While traffic remains stalled in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blockaded by Iran, another attack targeting a vessel has occurred within the strait.

According to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler cited by Reuters, a total of 10 commodity carriers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the 26th (local time), a slight increase from 8 the previous day.

The 10 vessels still fall short of the 10-day moving average of 15.

On this day, two medium-range fuel tankers, one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, one Panamax tanker, and three Handymax tankers entered the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf of Oman.

In addition, one medium-range fuel tanker, one asphalt tanker, and one bulk carrier exited the strait from the Persian Gulf.

Vessel operations through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea, another key logistics hub in the Middle East, declined for the second consecutive day.

Kpler estimated the number of commodity carriers passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on this day at 19, down from 24 the previous day.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated on this day that an oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz this week.

The UKMTO received reports of the incident the previous day.

The incident occurred in the waters near the Omani coastal city of Khasab.

The fire was extinguished, and there were no casualties.

The UKMTO notice did not specify the nationality or heading of the vessel.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Expectations for the reopening of the strait had grown the previous day when it was reported that Iran and Oman, which border the Strait of Hormuz, agreed on a framework for establishing temporary shipping routes and removing mines.

However, with the agreement between the two countries yet to be formalized, a battle of nerves between the US and Iran persists, and numerous unresolved issues remain, leaving a long road ahead before actual reopening.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.