Supertankers increase speed through Strait of Hormuz

Shipping operators are accelerating their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.

Tracking data cited by Bloomberg indicates that Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are now traveling at speeds of up to 17 knots, significantly higher than the usual maximum of around 13 knots for fully loaded vessels.

VLCCs, which measure approximately 330 metres in length, are notoriously difficult to maneuver, particularly in the narrow and congested waterway through which roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes.

The surge in shipping speed comes amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. US President Donald Trump has warned of potential military strikes against Tehran if the two sides fail to reach an agreement, while Iranian officials have cautioned that any attack could ignite a regional conflict involving Israel and the United States.

In a related advisory, the US State Department on February 6 urged American citizens in Iran to leave the country if possible or, for those unable to do so, to stockpile essential supplies such as food and water. The number of Americans currently remaining in Iran is believed to be small.

By Sabina Mammadli