Why are very large crude carriers (VLCCs) increasingly targeted in recent Hormuz ship attacks, according to the news?

According to the news, the increased proportion of VLCCs among attacked vessels may reflect attempts by Middle East oil producers to move more cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz—giving Iran more such vessels to target—rather than indicating a deliberate new targeting strategy; nonetheless, the incidents underscore the heightened navigational risk for VLCCs, which dominate Persian Gulf oil exports.

What does the International Maritime Organization advise ships to do regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and why?

The IMO’s secretary general advised ships to continue avoiding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz due to the current high level of navigational risk, as evidenced by multiple recent attacks—including four out of five VLCC attacks occurring off the coast of Oman, with several confirmed to have taken place in or near Hormuz.

Oil Supertankers Increasingly Bear Brunt in Hormuz Ship Attacks

Jul 15, 2026

Attacks on commercial shipping in the Hormuz Strait have increasingly targeted supertankers, with five of nine incidents involving Very Large Crude Carriers since June. The IMO warns ships to avoid the region due to elevated risks impacting global oil transit.

bloomberg

2026-06-26

IMO Estimates 80 Mines in Hormuz’s Normal Ship Channel

2026-07-15

Oil Supertankers Increasingly Bear Brunt in Hormuz Ship Attacks

Oil Supertankers Increasingly Bear Brunt in Hormuz Ship Attacks

FAQ