In the tense situation at the Hormuz Strait, according to the trade analysis company Kpler, two bulk carriers crossed the strait on Thursday (April 23rd).
Kpler data analyst Rebecca Gerdes told CNN that one of the ships, named “Tema Express,” is owned and operated by Hapag-Lloyd. This is the first confirmed crossing of the Hormuz Strait by a vessel operated by this German shipping company since the conflict with Iran began.
Gerdes said that the “Tema Express” flies the flag of Liberia and reappeared near the coast of Oman after being missing for nearly three weeks.
The other vessel that crossed the strait is the “LB Energy,” flying the flag of Panama.
Bulk carriers are ships that transport dry bulk cargo such as grains, coal, ores, salt, cement, etc. They are also commonly referred to as dry bulk carriers or bulk cargo ships.
For safety reasons, shipping companies have been reluctant to send vessels through the Hormuz Strait, so the number of ships passing through the strait remains low.
Currently, the US military is enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, targeting global support for Iran’s economy and military activities. The US stated that the blockade aims to cut off Iran’s oil exports to fund war and prevent them from obtaining crucial components for their nuclear facilities and missile production. The Trump administration believes that lifting the blockade before Iran completely abandons its nuclear ambitions and stops supporting regional terrorism would be tantamount to “aiding the enemy.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard continues to harass vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) reported earlier on Wednesday that at least three container ships had been attacked by Iranian artillery in the Hormuz Strait.
UKMTO has received 22 reports of ship attacks in the Arabian Gulf, the Hormuz Strait, and the Gulf of Oman since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28th. Two of these attacks occurred in the past day.
Iran has also attempted to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strait, sparking strong international opposition.