Hundreds of ships stranded near Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions

Sunday 01 March 2026 - 12:24

Shipping data shows that at least 150 tankers, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas vessels, have been forced to anchor in open waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Dozens more remain stationary on the opposite side of the strategic chokepoint.

The maritime congestion follows recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which have escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns over the security of key global energy routes.

According to estimates from the Reuters news agency, based on ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic, the tankers are clustered off the coasts of major Gulf oil producers, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the liquefied natural gas hub of Qatar. The disruptions highlight the vulnerability of one of the world’s most critical maritime passages, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil consumption flows.

Analysts warn that prolonged delays in tanker movements could impact global energy markets, driving up prices and affecting supply chains. Maritime authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, but the uncertainty underscores growing risks for commercial shipping in the Gulf.