Around 240 bulk carriers of more than 25,000 dwt were stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz when the war between the US, Israel and Iran broke out on February 28, according to analysis from Signal Ocean.
The true figure may be higher, as the estimate is based on AIS signals and some vessels may have switched those signals off.
Since the conflict began, Iran has both threatened and attacked vessels attempting to use the Strait, effectively shutting the route for many owners because of security risks and sharply rising insurance costs.
Even so, a limited number of bulkers have managed to leave the area. Signal Ocean said the number of successful transits has gradually increased from roughly one vessel per day in the first week of the conflict to around two per day in recent days. Before the war, seven bulk carriers had transited the Strait on February 26.
So far, around 36 bulk carriers have exited through Hormuz, meaning that more than 80% of the vessels affected are still inside the waterway. Among those that have successfully passed through, several Chinese-linked ships have been identified, which could suggest a trend toward more China-affiliated vessels attempting the route.
By contrast, Iran has indicated that vessels linked to the US, Israel and other countries involved in the recent strikes are not permitted to pass through the Strait.
Signal Ocean also noted that Iranian-linked vessels have continued to transit the waterway during the crisis, including ships carrying Iranian-origin cargoes, sugar and gypsum. The vessels identified include the 23,000 dwt Negar, the 53,000 dwt Parshad, the 54,000 dwt Oura, the 75,000 dwt Marham and the 53,000 dwt Parisan.
