The United Nations has suspended evacuation efforts for some 600 ships and 11,000 sailors trapped in the Gulf after a cargo ship was struck by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump characterized the incident as a “foolish” violation of the Middle East ceasefire, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to challenge transit routes not approved by Tehran.
Why has the UN paused maritime evacuations in the Gulf?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) halted its mission to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a cargo ship 14 kilometres off the coast of Oman. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez confirmed the suspension after consulting with regional partners. Before the pause, the UN had successfully evacuated approximately 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers since Tuesday.
The Strait of Hormuz typically handles around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports. Even during the current conflict, daily traffic remains significant, though well below peacetime levels of 125 transits per day.
How are shipping routes being contested?
Conflict persists over which maritime corridors are legitimate. While the IMO and Oman established an evacuation corridor, the IRGC has explicitly warned vessels against using it. The IRGC stated that “the only authorised transit routes” are those designated by Iran. Despite this warning, tracking data from Kpler shows that 42 commodity vessels crossed the strait on Thursday, with half of them utilizing the southern passageway near Oman, the same route where a Singapore-flagged container ship reported that it had been struck on Thursday.
What is the current state of regional trade?
Shipping traffic remains volatile, characterized by what industry analysts describe as “pent-up demand.” According to Kpler tracking data, daily crossings fell to 42 on Thursday from a mid-week high of 57. Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, cautions that the recent surge in vessel movement does not signal a return to stability. He describes the current flow as a “ketchup-bottle burst of tonnage” driven by the ceasefire rather than a genuine improvement in regional safety.
Comparative Data: Strait Traffic
| Period | Estimated Daily Transits |
|---|---|
| Peacetime Normal | ~125 vessels |
| Wednesday Peak | 57 vessels |
| Thursday Post-Attack | 42 vessels |
What are the risks for international energy markets?
Energy markets have reacted sharply to the shifting security landscape. Brent North Sea crude oil prices dropped more than five per cent on Friday, reflecting investor optimism regarding the potential for a long-term settlement between Iran and the US. However, experts warn that until the terms of a post-ceasefire security regime are formalised and respected by all parties, the waterway remains a high-risk zone for commercial shipping.
For real-time updates on maritime security in the region, monitor reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides the most immediate data on vessel incidents and safety alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there casualties from the recent attack? No. While the UKMTO reported that a cargo ship was hit on its starboard side, causing damage to the bridge, there were no reported casualties.
- Who is responsible for the recent maritime strikes? President Trump has publicly blamed Iran for the drone attack, though the region remains caught in a cycle of reciprocal strikes between Iranian forces and the US.
- Will the UN resume evacuations? The IMO has not provided a firm date for resuming the escort mission, noting that the decision to pause was taken after consultations regarding the safety of the 11,000 sailors still trapped in the Gulf.
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