US EditionVideo shows ships turning away from the Strait of Hormuz as confusion persists over whether sea lane is really open
BIMCO told vessels to avoid the waterway as tanker traffic turned back and crude prices fell 12%, underscoring continued uncertainty over safe passage.
- On Friday, around 20 vessels attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz via the route Iran designated near Larak Island, but most turned back after failing to receive approval, according to MarineTraffic data.
- Conflicting signals persist as Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed the strait was "completely open," while President Donald Trump maintained the U.S. naval blockade and BIMCO warned the area is "not declared safe for transit at this point."
- Shipping industry experts confirmed the route remains functionally closed, with Kpler director of commodity research Matt Smith noting ships "clearly not been given approval to pass through," while BIMCO's Jakob Larsen cited ongoing mine threats.
- Oil futures tumbled Friday, with West Texas Intermediate down 12% and Brent down 9% following the announcement from Tehran, though the physical energy supply disruption continues to pressure refineries in Asia.
- Traffic through the strait will take months to normalize, freight analyst Matthew Wright warned, noting "the supply crunch in Asia is bigger than anywhere else" as inventory levels in Europe and North America remain strained.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Iran opened the strait, Donald Trump rejoiced, and ships began to move, but now they are turning back.
Oil Tankers Are Turning Back From Hormuz Amid Confusion About If It's Really Open
Oil tankers are continuing to avoid the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s announcement that the critical shipping lane is open, as uncertainty over safety conditions keeps maritime traffic limited. New footage shows several vessels attempting to exit the area before turning back, highlighting ongoing risks in the region. The mixed signals have unsettled global energy […] The post Oil Tankers Are Turning Back From Hormuz Amid Confusion About If It’…
One of the world's most important oil shipping lanes has been disrupted again, with five tankers turning back near the Strait of Hormuz due to rising regional instability. Shipping data shows that traffic in the Persian Gulf has virtually ground to a halt, while conflicting political and military messages are adding to tensions.
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