Global shipping networks are facing increasing congestion as the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt trade flows across key routes and ports. Recent data indicates that port congestion has intensified significantly, with more than 80% of major global ports now operating under critical conditions. A large portion of these ports are experiencing severe or high levels of congestion as cargo volumes continue to shift and reroute. The disruption is being driven...

The Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, though access is currently limited to vessels not linked to what Iran has described as “enemy” nations, according to comments from Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The update comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to impact vessel movements through the narrow waterway, which is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The strait handles roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied...

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is preparing emergency plans to evacuate nearly 20,000 seafarers and around 2,000 vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. The situation has significantly slowed movement through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, which handles close to 20% of global oil flows as well as a substantial share of liquefied natural gas shipments. According to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio...