The US military escorted 40 commercial vessels carrying about 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, a wartime record, as Washington and Tehran traded their heaviest blows in weeks, CNN reported, citing two US officials familiar with the operation.
Attacks on commercial shipping resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, with two vessels struck in separate incidents that have heightened fears over the security of the shipping lane and threatened to derail recent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran over the next phase of US-Iran negotiations have cast fresh uncertainty over efforts to consolidate a fragile ceasefire, even as commercial shipping continues to move cautiously through Strait of Hormuz.
The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its operation to escort and evacuate ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel came under attack, raising fresh concerns over maritime security despite a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict.
Global maritime charity Sailors' Society has signed a deal with top insurer NorthStandard to roll out its innovative Sea Mate training to the P&I club's members, thus paving the way for a sea change in seafarer care with an increase in the number of Wellbeing Officers on board ships.
The United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran and commercial shipping has begun cautiously returning to the Strait of Hormuz after Washington and Tehran signed an interim agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Gulf.
Three supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of Middle East crude resumed crossing the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, signalling tentative hopes for stability in global oil flows as US President Donald Trump indicated he was prepared to give Iran a few more days to respond to Washington’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
Eni and MSC Cruises have announced the completion of a test of the use of Enilive’s HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) diesel. This test confirmed the technical feasibility of using the biofuel in its pure form in the maritime sector to power cruise ship engines.
Oil prices extended gains on Thursday after big increases in the previous session amid reports of action against ships by both Iran and the US and stalled peace talks.
Oil prices jumped on Wednesday (April 22) with Brent trading above $100 a barrel, erasing earlier losses following reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
