Shipping Firms Advise Vessels to Avoid Gulf amid Rising US-Israel-Iran Tensions
Two leading shipping companies have instructed vessels to avoid the Gulf amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, intensifying disruptions in regional maritime traffic.
France-based CMA CGM announced that all its ships currently in or heading to the Gulf must “take shelter” immediately. The company also suspended passage through the Suez Canal, rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, which will extend journeys by thousands of kilometers. CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping company, emphasized that these measures are necessary due to the ongoing conflict.
German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd also confirmed suspending all transit through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. Several other shipping lines, including Maersk, warned customers of potential delivery delays as vessels are rerouted.
Data from maritime analytics platform Marine Tracker shows a sharp decline in traffic through the strait, with numerous oil tankers turning back or being held. Shipping association BIMCO warned that commercial ships with Israeli or American affiliations could be at heightened risk. These precautions reflect growing concerns over the safety of vessels navigating one of the world’s most critical trade arteries.
