VLCC

VLCC on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 9 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on vlcc in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around vlcc, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.

Only 2 Commodity Ships Transited Strait of Hormuz, Lowest Daily Tally Since May
Marine Insight

Only 2 Commodity Ships Transited Strait of Hormuz, Lowest Daily Tally Since May

Recent data indicates a concerning trend in the Strait of Hormuz, with only two commodity ships transiting the critical waterway – the lowest daily tally since May. This development coincides with Iran’s pledge to retaliate against U.S. sanctions targeting its economic stability. The reduced maritime traffic raises potential concerns regarding regional trade and stability. For context on broader U.S. naval deployments in the region, see our article, "US Navy Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln To Dock In Thailand.

Shipping Oil Through Strait Of Hormuz Costs $20 Million, TotalEnergies CEO Says
Marine Insight

Shipping Oil Through Strait Of Hormuz Costs $20 Million, TotalEnergies CEO Says

Navigating the Strait of Hormuz now incurs significant financial risk, according to TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, who estimates shipping costs have risen to $20 million. This vital waterway, historically responsible for approximately one-fifth of global oil flows and a key LNG route, faces escalating geopolitical tensions. Recent incidents, including a reported Houthi attack on a Saudi oil tanker, underscore the precariousness of maritime trade in the region.

Strait of Hormuz Traffic Falls Below 20 Ships Over Weekend Amid US-Iranian Blockades
Marine Insight

Strait of Hormuz Traffic Falls Below 20 Ships Over Weekend Amid US-Iranian Blockades

Recent data indicates a significant decrease in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with vessel counts falling below 20 ships over the weekend—a notable deviation from typical levels. This reduction is attributed to heightened tensions and ongoing blockades involving U.S. and Iranian forces. Some vessels appear to have deactivated transponders while transiting, suggesting a deliberate effort to obscure movement. For further context on U.S. actions impacting regional shipping, see our related article, "U.S. Prevents 70 Ships From Reaching Iranian Ports.

Third Engineer Goes Missing After Strike On Bulker In Strait Of Hormuz Leads To Blackout & Fire
Marine Insight

Third Engineer Goes Missing After Strike On Bulker In Strait Of Hormuz Leads To Blackout & Fire

A concerning incident in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the disappearance of the third engineer aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier *Minoan Pioneer* following an attack and subsequent fire. The vessel experienced a blackout after the strike, compounding the situation. Investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the damage and locate the missing crew member.

2nd Qatari-LNG Tanker Hit By Iran In Hormuz While 22 Chinese Ships Safely Cross Red Sea Without Harm
Marine Insight

2nd Qatari-LNG Tanker Hit By Iran In Hormuz While 22 Chinese Ships Safely Cross Red Sea Without Harm

Recent maritime events highlight escalating regional tensions. A Qatari-LNG tanker sustained damage to its engine room while transiting the Hormuz Strait, reportedly impacted by an Iranian action. The vessel, carrying a cargo loaded around July 27th, experienced no casualties. Concurrently, a significant deployment of 22 Chinese ships successfully traversed the Red Sea without incident. These events underscore the complex interplay of geopolitical factors impacting global energy transport.

Strait Of Hormuz Tanker Traffic Falls To Lowest Level In Over Two Months
Marine Insight

Strait Of Hormuz Tanker Traffic Falls To Lowest Level In Over Two Months

Recent data indicates a significant deceleration in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy transport. Analytics firm Kpler reports only one tanker traversed the strait on July 23rd, representing the lowest daily count in over two months. This reduction warrants close observation given the strait’s strategic importance. The potential for disruptions highlights broader geopolitical tensions, as evidenced by recent discussions regarding the use of Iranian funds to address ship damages—a topic explored further in our article, "U.

Asian Refiners Seek To Move Saudi Crude Via Suez Canal Route After Houthi Naval Blockade
Marine Insight

Asian Refiners Seek To Move Saudi Crude Via Suez Canal Route After Houthi Naval Blockade

Following heightened tensions in the Red Sea, Asian refiners are actively pursuing alternative routes for Saudi crude shipments, notably via the Suez Canal. This shift comes in response to the Houthi naval blockade impacting traditional shipping lanes. A South Korean refiner, among others, is reportedly securing Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) for loading at Yanbu, with Suez Canal transit as a viable option.

Two US Troops Killed In Iranian Strike As Strait Of Hormuz Shuts To Shipping Again
Marine Insight

Two US Troops Killed In Iranian Strike As Strait Of Hormuz Shuts To Shipping Again

Recent escalations in the Middle East have resulted in the tragic deaths of two U.S. troops and the disappearance of another following strikes in Jordan, coinciding with a significant disruption to maritime traffic. Transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global shipping, has plummeted to approximately eight vessels daily due to renewed attacks on tankers. This situation mirrors growing instability, as evidenced by recent events such as the hijacking of the MT Asana off Yemen, highlighting the expanding scope of maritime threats.

US Marines Board Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman As Naval Blockade Against Iran Intensifies (Images)
Marine Insight

US Marines Board Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman As Naval Blockade Against Iran Intensifies (Images)

U.S. Marines seized control of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman today as naval operations escalate against Iran, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Forces have redirected three commercial vessels and disabled one exhibiting non-compliance with the intensified blockade. This action follows recent warnings from Iranian officials regarding potential closures of strategic seaways, echoing concerns about regional stability. For further context on evolving energy trade dynamics, explore our analysis of the EU's ongoing debate over Russian LNG sanctions.