Hormuz Crisis: Most Affected Shipping Countries

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, 2026, has triggered a massive global shipping crisis, with companies from the UAE, Greece, and China suffering the heaviest impact. Recent maritime data reveals that roughly 670 commodity vessels are currently stuck west of the strait, including 50 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) that are essential for global energy stability. While the United Arab Emirates accounts for the largest share of affected traffic at 18%, Greece and China follow closely, with dozens of their oil and gas tankers trapped by the conflict. Interestingly, a two-tier system has emerged where Iran grants “safe passage” to certain friendly or sanctioned vessels, while ships linked to the United States and Europe account for nearly half of all reported attacks or suspicious activity. With insurance costs skyrocketing and transponders being turned off to avoid detection, the blockade has effectively paralyzed a critical artery of the world economy.