No Lights, No Radio: Getting Oil Through Hormuz Is a Risky Job

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Six Vessels Struck in Strait of Hormuz Since Sunday

   Projectiles have hit six vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday, including three oil tankers struck on Tuesday. Recent attacks targeted a Kuwait-flagged VLCC and a Panama-flagged tanker, resulting in onboard fires. Five Indian seafarers were rescued from the Kuwait-flagged ship. Despite these risks, Middle East oil flows are rising as ships conduct nighttime shuttle runs with restricted radio and light usage to avoid Iranian drones and missiles. The US Navy is receiving direct reports of attacks from tanker captains in the region.

   Why it matters

   The Strait of Hormuz is a critical lifeline for Gulf energy producers and a high-value trade route for commodity traders. Ongoing tensions involve Iranian drones and missiles targeting maritime traffic during a broader conflict. US officials have spent months claiming the strait remains open.

   What is confirmed

   • Six vessels have been hit in the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday.
   • Three oil tankers were hit by projectiles in the Hormuz strait on Tuesday.
   • A Kuwait-flagged VLCC and a Panama-flagged tanker were reported hit with fires on board.
   • Five Indian seafarers were safely rescued after a Kuwait-flagged tanker was struck by a projectile.
   • Ships are conducting shuttle runs through the strait, often at night with restricted radio and light use.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran may be charging a secret toll to allow oil traffic through the strait.
   • Iran's grip on the strait is loosening.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the origin of the projectiles used in Tuesday's attacks
   • Official US Navy statements regarding the rescue of the Indian seafarers
   • Data on whether crude exports bypassing Hormuz continue to surge
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. The Maritime Executive — Three Vessels Struck in Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s Grip Loosens
   2. Reuters — Three oil tankers hit by projectiles in Hormuz strait on Tuesday, Marisks says
   3. The Times of Israel — UK maritime group says tanker struck by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz
   4. Anadolu Ajansı — 2 tankers hit by unknown projectiles in Strait of Hormuz: Maritime agency
   5. Bloomberg.com — No Lights, No Radio: Getting Oil Through Hormuz Is a Risky Job
   6. The Times of Israel — Tanker hit by unknown projectile while leaving Hormuz; no casualties reported
   7. Breakingthenews.net — UK says ship struck by projectile in Hormuz
   8. rivieramm.com — Kuwait-flagged VLCC, Panama-flagged tanker reported hit in Strait of Hormuz, with fires on board
   9. Al Arabiya English — Tanker hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says
   10. www.insurancejournal.com — No Lights, No Radio: Getting Oil Through Strait of Hormuz Is a Risky Job
   11. gCaptain — Another Tanker Hit in Strait of Hormuz as Attacks Continue
   12. aljazeera.com — Iran war live: Fighting intensifies in Yemen, hundreds killed or injured
   confidence 90%