Hormuz Crisis Deepens as Covert Ship Transits Continue Amid US-Iran Strikes

## Hormuz Crisis Deepens as Covert Ship Transits Continue Amid US-Iran Strikes The Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical oil chokepoint — has become a near no-go zone for commercial shipping following a sharp escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran, with observable vessel crossings all but ceasing as the two powers exchange missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. According to gCaptain, a small number of ships have passed through the strait covertly in recent days, likely with transponders disabled or operating under strict communications silence, even as the broader commercial shipping community has effectively stood down from transiting the waterway. The move reflects the extreme risk calculus now facing shipowners and operators with vessels committed to Gulf routes. The situation deteriorated sharply over the weekend and into Monday, when Iranian forces widened their attacks on US military installations across the Gulf, while American forces responded in kind with missile and drone strikes on Iranian targets. Tehran simultaneously declared it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz — a claim that, if enforced, would threaten the passage of roughly 20% of the world's seaborne oil supply. The immediate market response was pronounced. Oil prices moved higher on the news, reflecting deep concern among energy traders about potential supply disruptions from the Gulf, which remains the transit corridor for crude exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Iran itself. For the shipping industry, the crisis presents acute operational and insurance challenges. War risk premiums for vessels operating in the region are expected to spike significantly, and many operators are likely to invoke force majeure clauses or seek alternative routing where cargo origins and destinations permit. Tanker owners in particular face difficult decisions, as the economics of longer voyages around the Cape of Good Hope must be weighed against the dangers of Hormuz passage. The covert transits reported by gCaptain suggest that some commercial operators — likely those with contractual obligations or cargo already at sea — are willing to accept elevated risk, potentially with the tacit coordination of naval escorts or intelligence support from allied navies already present in the region. The situation remains highly fluid. Industry observers and shipowners are closely monitoring diplomatic channels for any sign of de-escalation, while P&I clubs and war risk underwriters are expected to issue updated guidance in the coming hours. --- ### Also in Brief: JUB Pacific Expands Offshore Fleet Away from the Gulf crisis, Singapore-based offshore marine solutions provider JUB Pacific has announced the acquisition of the anchor handling tug and supply vessel (AHTS) *Evay*, a 2010-built DP2 vessel with a bollard pull of 120 tonnes, formerly operated by Aussie Offshore Services. According to Splash247, financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The purchase signals continued confidence in the offshore support vessel market as energy sector activity sustains demand for capable AHTS tonnage across Asia-Pacific.