The global shipping industry is on high alert following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with mounting fears that Tehran may retaliate against commercial vessels in key maritime corridors.
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Greece—home to the world’s largest tanker fleet—has urged its shipowners to reconsider sailing into the Persian Gulf, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that channels about 20% of the world’s oil supply. In a circular obtained by Bloomberg, the Greek Shipping Ministry advised operators to delay transits or hold in nearby safe ports until tensions subside.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a naval liaison body, warned that U.S.-linked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden now face a “high risk” of attack. Sunday’s alert follows fresh threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels and rising concern among military forces operating in the region.
Tanker earnings have already surged nearly 90% since Israel began airstrikes on Iran earlier this month, and shipping analysts say risk premiums could continue climbing. Greece’s advisory could significantly impact global commodity flows, especially oil, given its dominance in the tanker market.
While some Greek shipping firms are reassessing, others may opt to continue transiting Hormuz if rates rise high enough to offset the risk. The Greek ministry advised operators choosing to proceed to enforce maximum security protocols and stay as far as possible from Iranian waters.
Adding to the urgency, the European Union Naval Force elevated its threat level for U.S.- and Israeli-linked vessels, warning that all commercial shipping may eventually be exposed to risk.
A potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz would mark a seismic disruption to global energy and cargo supply chains, forcing maritime stakeholders to make tough calls under growing geopolitical strain.
