In the wake of US and Israeli action strikes against Iran, at least 150 tankers transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have dropped anchor in the open waters of the Gulf, positioned beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping data from 1 March revealed that dozens of additional vessels are stationary on the opposite side of the chokepoint following US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
According to Reuters estimates based on MarineTraffic ship-tracking data, these tankers are clustered in open waters off the coasts of major regional oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as the LNG-exporting nation Qatar.
A significant number of these vessels are currently located within the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) belonging to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
An EEZ represents a maritime area extending up to 39 kilometres beyond the standard 12-nautical-mile territorial limits. The data further indicates that dozens of cargo ships have similarly gathered across various EEZs.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy, with approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil – sourced from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – passing through the waterway alongside substantial volumes of Qatari LNG.
In addition to the primary clusters, at least 100 more tankers and dozens of cargo vessels are anchored outside the strait, situated along the UAE and Omani coastlines and at various anchorage points.
Following the recent attacks, several major oil companies, trading houses, and tanker owners have suspended the transit of fuel, crude oil, and LNG through the strait.
While trading sources reported on 28 February that Tehran had announced a closure of navigation, the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) noted that same day that no official suspension of traffic had been internationally communicated by any recognised maritime authorities.
The JMIC advised mariners to prepare for a heightened naval presence, increased force protection measures, and potential VHF hailing. The centre also warned of significant congestion at anchorage areas outside the strait and volatility within the insurance market.
