Gulf of Oman Shipping Tensions

Download Report

Summary

The Strait of Hormuz, which has a width of approximately 30 nautical miles, is a critical global chokepoint through which nearly one-third of the world’s oil supply passes. Recent incidents, such as the detainment of two crude oil tankers by the Iranian navy, have further heightened tensions in the region and underscored the significance of this strategic waterway.

In the night of July 06th, Skytek counts nearly 550 tanker ships, 45 containerships and around 140 Bulk and General Cargo ships in the Gulf of Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz, mapped in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1 - merchant vessels mapping in the Gulf of Oman on July 06th, 2023, by AIS signal
  • Around 01:50 UTC on July 5, 2023, the Crude Oil Tanker Richmond Voyager reportedly encountered an Iranian Navy vessel that ordered it to halt for boarding. According to the US Naval Central Command, the Iranian ship abandoned its attempt to stop the Richmond Voyager after the US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) intervened. Subsequently, the Tanker was able to proceed with its journey.
  • The Richmond Voyager is a Crude Oil Tanker built in 2018 with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 318,608. It is registered under the Bahamas flag, classified by the American Bureau of Shipping, and insured by the UK P&I. The vessel is owned by Replica Marine Co, a group owned by Angelicoussis Shipping Group, and operated by Chevron Transport Ltd.
  • Shortly after, around 2023-07-05 02:59 UTC, the AIS track of the Chemical/Products Tanker TRF Moss indicates an evasive manoeuvre which may be consistent with the reported approach by an Iranian Navy ship. The US Naval Central Command reports that USS McFaul (DDG 74) intervened, and TRF Moss was able to continue its voyage.
  • The TRF Moss – IMO9732826 is a Chemical/Products Tanker built in 2016 with 37,596 DWT. It is registered under the Marshall Islands flag, classified with the Det Norske Veritas, and insured with the Skuld. The vessel is owned by WLR TRF HMN8 Holdings VI LLC, Group Owned by Transportation Recovery Fund and operated by Navig8 Chemicals Asia Pte Ltd.

Skytek plots the AIS-based tracks of the two vessels and their evasive manoeuvres in Figure 2 below:

Figure 2 - Skytek mapping of the two attacked ships’ AIS track, Gulf of Oman, July 05th 2023
READ DISCLAIMER

EO satellite image providers:

eo-provider-planet
eo-provider-esa
eo-provider-nasa
eo-provider-airbus
eo-provider-copernicus
eo-provider-iceye

© 2024 – Skytek Limited

Disclaimer

The content in this report is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which any reliance should be placed. Skytek advises that professional or specialist advice is obtained before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of this report.

The contents of this report is provided in good faith but Skytek make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the contents of this report is accurate, complete or up to date.

To the extent permitted by law, Skytek will not be liable for any loss or damage, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable, arising under or in connection with use or reliance on any content of this report. In particular, Skytek will not be liable for any loss of profits, sales, business or revenue, business interruption, loss of anticipated savings, loss of business opportunity, goodwill or reputation or any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever or howsoever caused.

Login