Italian vessel unable to pass Strait of Hormuz amid security concerns

An Italian-owned cargo vessel has been unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz due to concerns over potential missile attacks from Iran.

The vessel Grande Torino, operated by the Italian shipping company Grimaldi, was forced to anchor in Abu Dhabi after waiting for more than a month for a safe opportunity to pass through the strategically important waterway, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The crew reportedly used the stop to restock supplies. On board are vehicles loaded in Japan and China, destined for European ports.

The ship is currently staffed by three Italian officers and 18 Filipino seafarers. The crew is awaiting clarification from Iranian authorities regarding conditions for foreign vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with no response from Tehran so far.

Earlier incidents have also been reported in the same shipping lane. Two ultra-large container ships operated by China’s COSCO Shipping Lines reportedly encountered difficulties while attempting to exit the strait, making abrupt course changes before eventually being allowed to proceed after a delay.

By Sabina Mammadli