Ongoing geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global shipping in a serious way, affecting trade flows, tanker availability, routing decisions, and freight risk across the region.
What was once a narrow but reliable artery for global energy and cargo movement is now operating under severe strain. Shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, and port operators are having to adapt quickly as access tightens, alternative routes come under pressure, and operational risks spread beyond Hormuz itself.
Here are the key developments from this week.
Iran introduces controlled transit corridor
Iran has established a “safe passage” system for pre-approved vessels, with at least nine ships successfully transiting via routes close to Larak Island. Ships must undergo vetting and, in some cases, reportedly pay fees for passage.
This corridor appears to be functioning as a highly controlled exception rather than a broad reopening of traffic. Transit volumes remain extremely limited, and most operators are still avoiding the strait altogether. That caution reflects the continuing uncertainty around approvals, cost, political risk, and the possibility of sudden escalation.
Hormuz traffic collapses
Transit volumes through Hormuz have dropped sharply, with around 90% of current movements linked to Iranian trade or ownership.
Most vessels using the route are exiting the Gulf rather than entering, which underlines the scale of disruption. In practical terms, this suggests operators remain far more comfortable moving ships out of the risk zone than committing fresh tonnage into it. The imbalance also points to continuing hesitation from international shipowners and charterers, even where limited transit mechanisms are now in place.
Shift to Red Sea routes and Yanbu surge
With Hormuz effectively restricted, tankers are rerouting via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait toward Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea export hub at Yanbu.
Crude exports from Yanbu have surged to 3.4 million barrels per day, more than double pre-crisis levels. However, volumes remain below the port’s full capacity. Freight rates for high-risk voyages have also spiked significantly, reflecting elevated risk premiums and the added operational complexity of alternative routing.
This shift shows how quickly cargo flows are being reconfigured. But it also highlights a familiar pattern in shipping disruption: pressure rarely disappears, it just moves. As trade is diverted away from one chokepoint, it begins to concentrate in another.
Rising risks at alternative hubs
The move away from Hormuz is not without cost.
Drone attacks on Port of Fujairah have cut loadings by 66% week on week. At the same time, increasing traffic through the Red Sea is raising exposure to wider regional instability.
So while rerouting offers a workable alternative for some operators, it does not remove risk. It redistributes it. Ports, anchorages, and transit lanes that would normally act as fallback options are now facing their own operational and security pressures.
Government-backed transits increasing
State-linked vessels from countries including India and Pakistan have successfully transited Hormuz following diplomatic coordination with Tehran.
Some ships are routing through Iranian territorial waters and clearly identifying themselves to reduce risk. That suggests government support and direct state-level engagement are becoming increasingly important for vessels still attempting passage. In effect, access is no longer purely a commercial or navigational question. It is becoming tied to political relationships, diplomatic channels, and the ability to secure assurances.
Airspace reopening gradually across the Gulf
Airspace across much of the Middle East Gulf is gradually reopening on a restricted basis.
While some countries remain closed, most are allowing limited flights. That means crew changes are possible in select locations, although still constrained. For operators, this offers some relief on the personnel side, but not a full return to normal. Crew planning, rotation schedules, and relief movements are still likely to face delays and limitations depending on route, carrier access, and local restrictions.
Port and airspace status by country
United Arab Emirates
Most ports are fully operational, including Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal is partially operational, while some offshore facilities remain suspended. Fujairah and Khor Fakkan are handling general cargo and containers without disruption. Temporary customs flexibility is allowing cargo rerouting via Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, with onward trucking to Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi. A marine risk surcharge has been introduced at Ras Al Khaimah ports.
Kuwait
Ports are largely operating, but Shuaiba Port is temporarily suspended.
Airspace is currently closed.
Oman
All major ports, including Port of Sohar and Port of Salalah, are operating normally.
Some terminals are at higher security levels. Airspace is open, but with limited international connections. Additional safety checks are required for vessels, with GPS interference reported.
Saudi Arabia
Ports are operating at full capacity with no restrictions.
Some regional flight routes remain suspended.
Bahrain
Port operations are resuming, but are limited by pilot availability.
Crew changes are not currently possible because airspace is closed.
Qatar
Key ports including Hamad Port remain operational, but below normal capacity.
Some offshore terminals are suspended. Cargo may be rerouted via Oman or UAE ports to maintain supply chains.
Egypt
All ports and the Suez Canal are operating normally.
Some regional flights are resuming.
Jordan
Port of Aqaba is fully operational with no disruption.
Airspace is open, but there are selective flight suspensions.
Pakistan
Ports and airspace are fully operational, with no impact reported.
Iraq
Ports are operational, but oil exports from offshore terminals are currently halted.
Crew changes are possible, though delays are expected.
Cyprus
Ports are open and operating normally.
Air travel is active but limited, which may affect crew changes.
Lebanon
Ports are operational, although the southern region remains unstable.
Flight activity is limited.
Israel
Major ports, including Port of Haifa, are fully operational.
Airspace is open with restrictions. For ro-ro cargo, direct delivery only is permitted, with no storage at ports.
What this means for the market
The overall picture is clear: the disruption is no longer confined to the Strait of Hormuz itself. It is reshaping routing patterns, pushing cargo into alternative corridors, increasing pressure on secondary hubs, and raising costs across both shipping and logistics.
Even where ports remain open and cargo is still moving, the market is operating with more friction. Risk premiums are up, flexibility is reduced, and network resilience is being tested in real time. For cargo owners and operators, the immediate challenge is not just whether a route is technically open, but whether it is commercially viable, insurable, and operationally dependable.
In the current environment, that distinction matters more than ever.