Ships Reject US Military-Guided Strait Of Hormuz Transits After Iranian Attacks Raise Security Concerns
Some shipping companies are avoiding a U.S. military-guided transit scheme through the Strait of Hormuz after a series of attacks on commercial vessels raised concerns over crew safety, according to seven maritime security and shipping industry sources.
The move comes despite U.S. efforts to keep ships moving through one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Although the United States says the Strait of Hormuz remains open and commercial traffic is continuing, the recent attacks have made some shipowners reluctant to use the U.S.-guided route.
Since July 7, five vessels have been attacked in Omani waters, including three crude oil supertankers, one LNG tanker and one container ship, based on Reuters’ analysis of incident data from the U.N.’s shipping agency….