Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Requires Extreme Precision Amid Rising Tensions
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Riyadh, March 11, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Navigating commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz requires highly precise navigation due to its narrow lanes and heavy traffic, a ship captain with extensive experience sailing through the waterway said.
The strait has effectively been closed to most shipping traffic since the outbreak of the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, with Tehran warning vessels attempting to pass through the route.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply normally passes.
A captain based in Hong Kong said navigating the strait requires extreme caution due to the large number of vessels traveling in and out of the Gulf.
He said the waterway is slightly more than 20 miles wide, with a six-mile corridor designated to manage ship traffic safely.
According to the captain, more than 100 vessels typically transit the strait each day, with journeys through the waterway taking between one and three hours, depending on vessel type.
The captain said the conflict has created significant uncertainty for crews operating in the region, adding that many ships and sailors remain under considerable stress due to the ongoing tensions.
