Several empty supertankers avoid the Persian Gulf, adding new risks to oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz

As Iranian attacks intensify, an increasing number of empty supertankers are turning away from the Persian Gulf. According to crude tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, at least 10 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and several Suezmax tankers recently halted or turned around as they approached the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Although other vessels are still heading to the region, with attacks occurring around the Strait of Hormuz almost daily—some even close to Fujairah—the retreat of these supertankers has once again raised concerns over the continued ability to transport oil through this vital waterway.