UAE, Greece, and China Lead Global Shipping Crisis as 670 Vessels Stall in Hormuz Conflict

Over 670 ships are stranded or targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. UAE, Greek, and Chinese firms face the highest risk as the US-Iran war shutters the waterway.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 3:47 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from AFP

Strategic Bottleneck Paralyzes Global Commodity Transit

The maritime corridor of the Strait of Hormuz has transformed into a high-stakes bottleneck, leaving hundreds of commodity vessels in a state of operational limbo. According to data compiled by Bloomberg and various marine traffic organizations, approximately 670 vessels sent signals from west of the strait within a single twenty-four-hour period, a figure that experts believe significantly understates the true total due to transponder deactivation. Since the initiation of the U.S.-Israeli offensive on February 28, the waterway has become a primary theater for retaliatory strikes, forcing global shipping giants to weigh the necessity of transit against the escalating risks to crew and cargo.

Regional Dominance and the Burden on Gulf Shipowners

Companies based in the United Arab Emirates currently face the highest level of exposure to the regional deadlock, accounting for roughly 18 percent of all stalled vessels in the immediate vicinity. With 120 ships identified in the area, UAE-linked firms are navigating a dual crisis of proximity and direct military threat. This concentration of assets reflects the Emirates' role as a central logistics hub, yet the ongoing hostilities have effectively neutralized much of this geographic advantage. Industry analysts suggest that the sheer volume of Emirati vessels caught in the crossfire represents a significant threat to the long-term maritime stability of the Persian Gulf.

European Energy Security and the Greek Tanker Fleet

Following the UAE, Greek shipping interests have emerged as the most significantly impacted European entity, with 75 commodity vessels positioned in the strait since the conflict’s inception. Of these, approximately 30 are specialized oil and gas tankers, representing a critical link in the global energy supply chain. The Greek fleet’s heavy involvement in the region means that any prolonged closure or further escalation directly threatens the energy security of several Mediterranean and European markets. Despite the risks, some Greek-owned firms have continued to attempt crossings, though such maneuvers are increasingly rare given the volatile security environment.