Strait of Hormuz: The challenges facing shipping are far from over
Vanguard brings together maritime intelligence, security, salvage, insurance and legal specialists to discuss the realities of operating in the Persian Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, but the situation facing shipowners, operators and their crews is far from straightforward. Attacks on commercial vessels, interference with navigation systems, uncertainty over transit arrangements and rising insurance costs continue to complicate decisions about whether, when and how vessels should pass through the region.
These were among the issues discussed during Vanguard Tech's recent webinar, Strait of Hormuz: Planning and Coordinating a Safer Passage, held on 22 October 2026.
The event attracted more than 600 registrations from across the international maritime industry, including shipowners, operators, charterers, ship managers, insurers and maritime service providers.
Moderated by Vanguard's Nicolas Ponet, the webinar brought together specialists from Vanguard, Steamship Mutual, Brit Insurance and DWF to examine the challenges from several perspectives, from assessing the threat before a voyage to managing the consequences of an incident.
An increasingly unpredictable security situation
Opening the discussion, Ellie Shafik, Vanguard's Director of Intelligence & Response, outlined the changing threat to commercial shipping. According to Vanguard's intelligence monitoring, 149 vessel-related incidents were recorded between March and 18 October, with a marked increase in activity during October. Tankers continue to account for the majority of incidents, although recent attacks involving other vessel types have raised further concerns about how targets are being selected.
Ellie also highlighted the growing use of small vessels to identify and track commercial shipping, alongside the difficulties of monitoring traffic when vessels are operating without AIS and satellite navigation signals are being disrupted.
One of the most concerning aspects is the lack of certainty over which vessels may be targeted.
The Strait does not need to be physically closed for shipping to be severely disrupted. Continued attacks and uncertainty can be enough to discourage owners from transiting.
Preparing the vessel is only part of the challenge
Taslim Imad, Loss Prevention Manager at Steamship Mutual, focused on the importance of crew safety, vessel readiness and risk assessments that reflect the latest conditions.
He stressed that a risk assessment carried out several days before a voyage may no longer be appropriate when the security situation is changing so quickly.
Crew welfare was another important part of the discussion. Seafarers operating in the region face considerable pressure, including the threat of attack, extended contracts, uncertainty over crew changes and concerns for their families.
For shipowners and managers, preparation must therefore go beyond the vessel's equipment and procedures. Crews need to understand the risks, know what to do in an emergency and have the opportunity to raise concerns before a voyage begins.
Maintaining visibility when vessels go dark
Ben, from Vanguard's operations team, discussed the practical challenges of coordinating vessel movements through the Strait. GPS interference, unreliable AIS information, communication difficulties and limited visibility of nearby activity have made an already difficult operating environment considerably more complicated.
The discussion covered the use of alternative positioning technology, secure communications and additional onboard liaison support to help bridge teams maintain situational awareness.
A recurring concern was the difficulty of establishing a reliable picture of a vessel's position and condition when conventional tracking information cannot be trusted.
When something goes wrong, the first 24 hours matter
Matthew Cooke, Vanguard's Senior Salvage Manager, addressed what happens when a vessel is attacked, damaged or requires emergency assistance. Drawing on casualty response experience in the region, he explained how decisions taken immediately after an incident can affect the safety of the crew, the condition of the vessel and the subsequent salvage operation.
The availability of suitable tugs, firefighting resources and specialist personnel remains a challenge, particularly when several incidents require assistance at the same time. Matthew encouraged owners and operators to establish emergency contacts, review response procedures and consider salvage arrangements before an incident occurs. Waiting until a vessel is in difficulty to identify available resources or negotiate contracts can result in delays when time is critical.
Insurance and legal consequences
The webinar also examined the wider commercial implications of operating in the region.
Deborah Shillabeer of Brit Insurance explained the role of the Joint War Committee in identifying areas of heightened maritime risk and the considerations facing marine war underwriters. Crew safety, access to salvage assistance, repair facilities and the increasing costs associated with casualties are all adding to the challenges facing the insurance market.
Edward Cole and Freddie Mehlig of DWF explored the contractual and insurance issues arising from the conflict. Their discussion covered charterparty obligations, force majeure, frustration, deviation, salvage agreements, general average and the potential for constructive total loss.
One point was particularly relevant for owners and charterers: decisions taken during a voyage, and the contractual notices issued at the time, can have significant consequences long after an incident has been resolved.
Questions from across the industry
The panel discussion prompted a wide range of questions, reflecting the difficult decisions currently facing those responsible for vessels in the region. Among the subjects raised were the risks of switching off AIS, the arrangements for US-facilitated transits, the Master's authority when deciding whether to proceed, crew changes, the use of emerging security technology and the availability of emergency assistance.
While individual circumstances vary, the speakers repeatedly returned to the importance of current information, clear communication and having the right arrangements in place before a vessel enters a high-risk area. The webinar concluded with a reminder that the Master's judgement and the safety of those onboard must remain central to decisions about whether a voyage should proceed.
Watch the webinar
Vanguard Tech would like to thank all those who attended, submitted questions and contributed to the discussion, together with our guest speakers from Steamship Mutual, Brit Insurance and DWF.
For those unable to attend, the webinar recording and presentation are available on request.
To request a copy and receive future Vanguard intelligence updates, briefings and event invitations, please complete our subscription form:
About Vanguard Tech
Vanguard Tech provides intelligence-led maritime risk management, security, vessel monitoring, casualty response and salvage services to shipowners, operators and the wider maritime industry.
Through its intelligence and operational teams, Vanguard supports clients in understanding and managing maritime threats, coordinating vessel movements and responding when incidents occur.
Comments