1600 Ships Stranded Near Hormuz Strait as War Risks Soar

For more than two months, roughly 1,600 ships have been trapped near the Strait of Hormuz, with shipping companies confronting an expensive and perilous situation as they anxiously await any chance to exit the waterway.

Any damage to a vessel worth millions of dollars would inflict severe financial and logistical losses on companies. Insurance contracts contain war-time clauses that do not oblige coverage for ships stranded amid active conflict, meaning moving vessels without this financial backing threatens exorbitant costs.

Even with U.S. military escort, leaving the Strait of Hormuz demands "very careful assessment" from shipping firms, according to Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. "They will need much greater confidence in the safety and security of transiting the strait before taking that step," he explained.

Attacks and Casualties at Sea

Since the war began, 32 ships have been hit by missile attacks, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 12 injuries, according to the International Maritime Organization. The organization continues urging vessels to "exercise extreme caution" and stresses that "naval escort is not a sustainable long-term solution."

President Donald Trump's operation to "direct" ships through the strait lasted only 48 hours, permitting just two vessels to pass. Now, ships are once again isolated, with companies hesitant to assume the risks of transit, as allowing departure would expose cargo and crew to danger.