DUBAI/BANGKOK — Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran continue to heighten security concerns in one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, while three Thai seafarers who survived a deadly attack in the waterway are seeking compensation through the courts over alleged employer negligence.
According to Reuters, fewer oil and gas tankers have been transiting the strategic waterway in recent days as shipping companies reassess security risks following attacks on commercial vessels and retaliatory military actions between the United States and Iran. Industry data showed daily tanker movements have dropped significantly from recent averages, reflecting growing caution among ship operators.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, serves as a vital maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets. Before the latest conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments passed through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global energy supplies and international trade.
Maritime analysts said some vessels have altered their routes, while others have switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders for security reasons as they navigate the area. War-risk insurance premiums have also increased as insurers and shipping firms continue to monitor the deteriorating security environment.
The latest disruption follows attacks earlier this week on commercial tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which prompted U.S. military retaliation against Iranian targets. Iran subsequently launched attacks on U.S. military facilities in Gulf states, further escalating tensions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators.
The heightened risks facing commercial shipping are also at the center of a legal case in Thailand.
Reuters reported that Thailand’s Labour Court has agreed to hear a petition filed by three Thai sailors seeking at least 1 million baht (about US$30,000) each in damages after surviving a deadly attack on the cargo ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz in March.
The three seafarers, who were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alleged that their employer, Precious Shipping, was negligent for sending the vessel through what they described as a known conflict zone and for failing to provide sufficient compensation and long-term support after the incident.
The attack killed three crew members while 20 others were rescued. According to the lawsuit, the surviving sailors received only two months’ wages and reimbursement for personal belongings lost during the attack, which they argue falls short of international labor standards for maritime workers.
Precious Shipping has denied the allegations, maintaining that it fulfilled its legal and contractual obligations and continued to provide assistance to the affected crew members. The Labour Court has accepted the case for consideration, although no ruling has yet been issued.
The twin developments underscore the continuing impact of geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region on both global commerce and the safety of seafarers. Shipping companies, insurers and governments continue to monitor the Strait of Hormuz closely, where any prolonged disruption could affect global oil supplies, freight costs and maritime security.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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