The Numbers Behind the Current Shipping Disruption

Shipping disruptions are often discussed in headlines and generalities, but sometimes the numbers tell the story better than anything else.

As tensions escalate across the Middle East and commercial vessels avoid parts of the Gulf, the scale of disruption is starting to appear in the data.

Around 140 container vessels are estimated to be trapped in the Arabian Gulf as carriers avoid key transit points such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. According to Alphaliner, those ships represent roughly 470,000 TEU of container capacity sitting inside the Gulf.

Another estimate suggests around 270,000 TEU of cargo is currently stranded or unable to move through Middle Eastern ports as carriers suspend bookings. The value of cargo caught up in the disruption is thought to be close to $10 billion, while roughly 14,000 FEU per day would normally be heading into the region from global origins.

Some carriers are more exposed than others. Shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company reportedly has 15 vessels sheltering in the area. Behind those ships are an estimated 3,000 seafarers currently aboard container vessels in the affected Gulf waters.

There has already been at least one direct incident. The feeder vessel Safeen Prestige was struck near Oman, forcing the crew to abandon ship after a fire broke out in the engine room. Thankfully, all crew members were reported safe.

These numbers will continue to shift as vessels divert, cargo is rerouted and carriers adjust networks. But they already offer a clear snapshot of the scale of disruption currently unfolding across the region.

Image source: Alphaliner