Tankers Navigate Hormuz Chokepoint Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

Amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, supertanker operators are taking precautionary measures by accelerating their vessels through the chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is crucial, as it facilitates approximately a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade.

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are now navigating this narrow and congested passage at speeds reaching up to 17 knots, according to ship-tracking data. Typically, a fully laden VLCC, which measures around 330 meters (1,080 feet) in length, operates at a maximum speed of about 13 knots, making this increase notable.

These heightened speeds come in response to Iran’s announcement of live-firing drills last week, as reported by shipowners and brokers involved in the region. Although Iran issued warnings about conducting live-firing exercises, no such activities were observed, according to sources familiar with the situation.

This situation adds further uncertainty to already volatile freight markets, which have surged due to both the tensions with Iran and a limited supply of vessels. The US military is increasing its presence in the region as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran are set to commence in Oman. However, Iran has indicated that these discussions may not lead to an immediate resolution of ongoing tensions.

“Even when headline geopolitical risk cools, Hormuz remains a complex operating environment,” stated Angelica Kemene, head of market strategy at Optima Shipping Services in Athens. “Shipowners are exercising caution over journeys that may take days to complete in the corridor.”

Historically, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, although it has never acted on those threats. Recently, the Islamic Republic reportedly “harassed” a US-flagged oil tanker while it was transiting through the waterway.

In light of these developments, some operators are opting to have vessels wait off the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah before proceeding through the chokepoint. This allows them to finalize berthing and cargo-loading schedules within the Persian Gulf, which is home to major oil-loading facilities for countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.

The decision to speed up transit times for some supertankers introduces additional risks in navigating these congested waters, especially given the increased presence of warships and the congregation of aging, dark-fleet vessels. However, not all ships are accelerating; many are still traveling at more typical speeds of 11 to 13 knots.

For instance, the DHT Jaguar has increased its speed after loading nearly 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude, reaching almost 16 knots while exiting Hormuz. In contrast, the V. Harmony, another VLCC, approached Oman at around 11 knots before ramping up to nearly 17 knots as it entered Hormuz.

A spokesperson for DHT Management, which manages the DHT Jaguar, declined to comment on specific ship operations. Similarly, Sinokor Merchant Marine, the manager of the V. Harmony, did not respond to inquiries.

Overall, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has seen a slight decline, with 135 crude and product carriers entering the waterway on a seven-day rolling basis as of Thursday, down from 182 on January 31. The number of vessels exiting the chokepoint also decreased from 120 to 113 during the same period.

Other supertankers looking to load cargoes in the Persian Gulf are now waiting off Oman as fixers finalize berthing and loading schedules. The number of Aframax-sized vessels and larger positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz has increased daily since Iran announced its live-firing drill.

Waiting outside the chokepoint also provides shipowners with the opportunity to renegotiate war-risk premiums for insurance, although these rates have yet to see a significant increase.

Top photo credit: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics
USA

Amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, supertanker operators are taking precautionary measures by accelerating their vessels through the chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is crucial, as it facilitates approximately a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade.

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are now navigating this narrow and congested passage at speeds reaching up to 17 knots, according to ship-tracking data. Typically, a fully laden VLCC, which measures around 330 meters (1,080 feet) in length, operates at a maximum speed of about 13 knots, making this increase notable.

These heightened speeds come in response to Iran’s announcement of live-firing drills last week, as reported by shipowners and brokers involved in the region. Although Iran issued warnings about conducting live-firing exercises, no such activities were observed, according to sources familiar with the situation.

This situation adds further uncertainty to already volatile freight markets, which have surged due to both the tensions with Iran and a limited supply of vessels. The US military is increasing its presence in the region as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran are set to commence in Oman. However, Iran has indicated that these discussions may not lead to an immediate resolution of ongoing tensions.

“Even when headline geopolitical risk cools, Hormuz remains a complex operating environment,” stated Angelica Kemene, head of market strategy at Optima Shipping Services in Athens. “Shipowners are exercising caution over journeys that may take days to complete in the corridor.”

Historically, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, although it has never acted on those threats. Recently, the Islamic Republic reportedly “harassed” a US-flagged oil tanker while it was transiting through the waterway.

In light of these developments, some operators are opting to have vessels wait off the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah before proceeding through the chokepoint. This allows them to finalize berthing and cargo-loading schedules within the Persian Gulf, which is home to major oil-loading facilities for countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.

The decision to speed up transit times for some supertankers introduces additional risks in navigating these congested waters, especially given the increased presence of warships and the congregation of aging, dark-fleet vessels. However, not all ships are accelerating; many are still traveling at more typical speeds of 11 to 13 knots.

For instance, the DHT Jaguar has increased its speed after loading nearly 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude, reaching almost 16 knots while exiting Hormuz. In contrast, the V. Harmony, another VLCC, approached Oman at around 11 knots before ramping up to nearly 17 knots as it entered Hormuz.

A spokesperson for DHT Management, which manages the DHT Jaguar, declined to comment on specific ship operations. Similarly, Sinokor Merchant Marine, the manager of the V. Harmony, did not respond to inquiries.

Overall, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has seen a slight decline, with 135 crude and product carriers entering the waterway on a seven-day rolling basis as of Thursday, down from 182 on January 31. The number of vessels exiting the chokepoint also decreased from 120 to 113 during the same period.

Other supertankers looking to load cargoes in the Persian Gulf are now waiting off Oman as fixers finalize berthing and loading schedules. The number of Aframax-sized vessels and larger positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz has increased daily since Iran announced its live-firing drill.

Waiting outside the chokepoint also provides shipowners with the opportunity to renegotiate war-risk premiums for insurance, although these rates have yet to see a significant increase.

Top photo credit: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics
USA