Sharp Deterioration of Maritime Security in the Strait of Hormuz

I.Core Incident Overview

Between March 11 and 12, 2026, at least four merchant ship attacks occurred within 24 hours in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters—a critical chokepoint for global energy transportation. The targeted vessels included container ships and bulk carriers under the flags of Japan, Thailand, the Marshall Islands, and other nations.

The series of attacks unfolded on the 12th day of US and Israeli military operations against Iran, marking a further deterioration of regional maritime security amid escalating US‑Iran tensions.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that since the escalation of hostilities on February 28, it has received a total of 17 incident reports involving vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, 13 of which were confirmed attacks.

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at least seven seafarers have been killed in related incidents.

 

II.Detailed Analysis of Attacks

1.Attack on Container Ship ONE Majesty

Vessel Particulars: Japanese‑flagged 6,724 TEU container ship, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE). The vessel operates on the WIN service connecting the West India and the U.S. East Coast, shared by Hapag-Lloyd (HMM), Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), ONE, and COSCO SHIPPING.

Attack Details: At approximately 0200 GMT on March 11, the ship was struck by unidentified projectiles while at anchor approximately 25 nautical miles (about 46 km) northwest of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in the Persian Gulf.

Damage & Response: The attack caused an approximately 10‑cm hole above the waterline. MOL and ONE confirmed all crew are safe, no pollution or leakage occurred, and the vessel remains seaworthy. The ship has moved to a safe anchorage for inspection and remained at anchor as of March 12.

2.Attack on Bulk Carrier Mayuree Naree (Most Serious Incident)

Vessel Particulars: Thai‑flagged Handysize bulk carrier, IMO 9323649, DWT 30,193 tons, built in 2008. Owned by Precious Shipping Pcl, a listed Thai shipping company. The vessel was in ballast en route from Khalifa Port, UAE to Kandla Port, India.

Attack Details: At approximately 0430 local time on March 11, the vessel was attacked at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, about 11 nautical miles (roughly 20 km) north of the Omani coast. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later acknowledged that its aircraft fired on the ship, claiming it “ignored warnings and threats” and “illegally insisted on transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

Damage & Casualties: Struck by two projectiles; an explosion triggered a major engine room fire and caused a total loss of power. Of the 23 Thai crew members, 20 abandoned ship and were rescued by the Omani Navy and transferred to Khasab, with multiple injuries. Three other crew members were reportedly trapped in the engine room and remain missing as of the report. The Royal Thai Navy and India’s Ministry of External Affairs have condemned the attack.

Owner Statement: Precious Shipping confirmed the vessel is covered by war risk insurance and does not expect the incident to have a material impact on the company’s financial position or overall operations.

3.Attack on Bulk Carrier Star Gwyneth

Vessel Particulars: Marshall Islands‑flagged bulk carrier, IMO 9301031, DWT 82,790 tons. Owned by Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a NASDAQ‑listed shipping company incorporated in the Marshall Islands, with operations in Singapore, Greece, and the United States.

Attack Details: On the morning of March 11, the vessel was hit by unidentified projectiles while at anchor approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, UAE.

Damage: Struck above the waterline with damage to the cargo hold area; no listing, casualties, or environmental pollution. The owner stated the vessel can sail under its own power.

4.Attack on Another Unnamed Container Ship

According to a separate UKMTO advisory issued on March 12, a container ship was hit by unidentified ordnance 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali, UAE, igniting a small fire. The master reported all crew are safe; damage assessment was hampered by nighttime visibility. Authorities are investigating.

 

III.Escalating Regional Tensions and Strategic Rivalry

1.Mutual Warnings Between US and Iran, Spillover Risks

US Warning: On March 11, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) publicly accused Iran’s naval forces of deploying ships and military equipment in civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz and using these facilities “to conduct military operations threatening international shipping.”

The U.S. warned that civilian ports used for military purposes would “lose protected status” under international law and “become legitimate military targets,” and urged Iranian civilians to stay away from such facilities.

Iran’s Hardline Response: Iranian Armed Forces Spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi later responded via Iranian state television that if Iran’s ports and terminals are threatened, “all ports and terminals in the region will become legitimate targets” for Iran.

The IRGC reaffirmed full control over the Strait of Hormuz and declared that vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, and their allies no longer have the right to pass through the strait.

Military Operations Context: The attacks occurred amid ongoing U.S. strikes against Iranian maritime assets. U.S. CENTCOM stated that since operations began on February 28, U.S. forces have destroyed more than 30 Iranian vessels. On March 11 alone, the U.S. claimed to have destroyed 16 Iranian mine‑laying craft.

2.Severe Disruptions to Shipping Lanes and Markets

Collapse in Transits: Under persistent attack threats, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly ground to a halt. Daily transits have plunged from roughly 120 ships before the conflict to only about 10 on March 11—a drop of over 90%.

Many ships are stranded at anchorages or diverting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10–14 days to voyages and sharply increasing costs.

Tightening Insurance Market: War risk insurance rates have surged dramatically. Rates for the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have jumped from around 0.2% of hull value before the conflict to over 1.25%.

For a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the premium for a single passage could reach USD 7.5 million. The International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) has expanded its high‑risk area, including waters in the southern Persian Gulf off Iraq as war risk exclusions.

Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil trade and large volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The blockage has directly pushed international oil prices to their highest levels since 2022, severely disrupting global energy and chemical supply chains.

 

IV.Security Alert and Future Outlook

Maritime security authorities warn that further missile or drone attacks against ships, offshore energy infrastructure, or vessels anchored near regional ports are likely within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Iran’s military has announced the end of its previous “tit‑for‑tat” response strategy and the shift to a “continuous strike” mode. Any vessels affiliated with the U.S., Israel, and their allies are considered legitimate targets.

Regional tensions are unlikely to ease in the near term. The global shipping industry must prepare for a prolonged high‑risk environment in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

 

 

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