On Wednesday, three merchant ships were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, an act the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has labeled as their "most intense operation" yet. The vessels involved include the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, the Express Room, and the Star Gwyneth, the latter sailing under the Marshall Islands flag.
The IRGC openly claimed responsibility for the attacks on the Mayuree Naree and the Express Room, citing the ships' failure to heed Iranian warnings and unauthorized passage through the strait. Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the IRGC's naval commander, asserted that "Any vessel attempting passage must obtain permission from Iran."
Impact on the Mayuree Naree
The Mayuree Naree, owned by a subsidiary of the Thai shipping company Precious Shipping (PSL), suffered the most significant damage. Struck twice around 8:15 AM local time, the attack ignited a fire in the engine room. Of its 23 crew members, 20 were safely evacuated to Oman, while three remain missing, feared trapped during the explosion.
This bulk carrier was en route from Dubai to India without cargo and was in active communication with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). PSL announced that the ship was under war risk insurance and anticipated no substantial financial repercussions.
Additional Attacks and Regional Tensions
The Star Gwyneth faced impact near Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, though no severe injuries were reported. On the same day, the IRGC launched Khorramshahr ballistic missiles for a three-hour period targeting American and Israeli interests in the area.
These incidents occur amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which escalated on February 28 with the U.S. and Israel's launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Since the onset, at least ten merchant vessels have been attacked, resulting in at least seven confirmed deaths by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by March 6, including the sinking of the Mussafah 2, which left four dead and three missing.
Global Shipping and Economic Repercussions
Major shipping lines like Maersk and MSC have halted their transits through the strait, a vital chokepoint for around 20% of the world's oil supply. Crude prices have surged from $66 to $81 per barrel since the conflict's inception, with potential for further increases if the strait faces a complete blockade.
Despite the elevated operational risks, the U.S. declined to provide naval escorts for merchant vessels, even though President Trump had previously warned of consequences "twenty times harsher" if Iran blocked the strait. The President claimed last Monday that the conflict was "practically over," but the latest attacks clearly challenge that assertion, highlighting the continued peril facing merchant ships.
Understanding the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
What prompted Iran's attack on the merchant ships?
Iran's IRGC claimed the attacks as part of their "most intense operation," targeting ships that allegedly ignored Iranian warnings and transited the Strait without permission.
How have global shipping companies responded to the situation?
Major shipping lines such as Maersk and MSC have suspended their routes through the Strait of Hormuz due to increased risks, impacting global oil supply routes.
What are the economic implications of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz?
The conflict has caused oil prices to rise significantly, with potential for further increases if the strait is fully blocked, posing broader economic challenges.