The number of vessels navigating the critically important Strait of Hormuz appears to be declining, according to the world’s largest shipping association, amid deepening fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East.
Jakob Larsen, head of security at Bimco, which represents global shipowners, said all shipowners were closely monitoring developments in the region and some have already paused transits in the Strait of Hormuz due to the deterioration of the security situation.
His comments come shortly after the U.S. on Saturday attacked three major Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, a massive escalation in its involvement with Israel’s effort to cripple Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iran has condemned the attack, saying it reserves all options to defend its sovereignty and people.
“Before the US attack, the impact on shipping patterns was limited,” Bimco’s Larsen said.
