Story perspectives

Ship traffic drops in Hormuz as tankers get hit

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kpler data showed 17 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over weekend, down from 37 a week earlier.
Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Pinios transferred 2 million barrels of Basrah crude from Fujairah to New Constant, bound for China.
Isle of Man-flagged crude tanker LR Stephanie was struck on Monday, injuring two crew members.
Liberia-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker Al Maryah was struck outbound on Sunday but continued without towing assistance.

History

Historical Context

During the Iran-Iraq War, Iraq’s 1981 tanker-war and Iran’s retaliation led Kuwait to request U.S. protection; after UN Resolution 598 (20 July 1987) President Reagan approved re-flagging Kuwaiti tankers on 7 March 1987. Operation Earnest Will (24 July 1987-26 Sept 1988) saw more than 100 sailors killed and escorted dozens of tankers, helping cut Iranian attacks, a precedent echoed by today’s 17 vessels in the Hormuz.

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Story summary

Kpler data showed 17 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over weekend, down from 37 a week earlier.
Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Pinios transferred 2 million barrels of Basrah crude from Fujairah to New Constant, bound for China.
Isle of Man-flagged crude tanker LR Stephanie was struck on Monday, injuring two crew members.
Liberia-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker Al Maryah was struck outbound on Sunday but continued without towing assistance.

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