The International Maritime Organization has paused its evacuation plan for ships and seafarers in the Middle East Gulf following an attack on a container ship in the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. official blamed Iran for the incident.
Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East increased for the third consecutive month in May, reaching 6.81 million won for a 40-foot container, amid ongoing tensions involving Iran.
The IRGC reported that 35 vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, coordinated and secured by its naval forces, ensuring a safe maritime route amid regional tensions.
Russian companies are considering building container ships in Chinese shipyards, with financing from Russian and Chinese financial institutions. This discussion occurred at a meeting of the Russian Far East and Northeast China Business Council.
Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East increased by 22.8% in April to 6.43 million KRW ($4,290), driven by prolonged geopolitical tensions, while costs to Europe, China, and U.S. coasts showed varied changes.
The strike underscores the fragile security situation in the strait as U.S.-Iran ceasefire wobbles.
China is undergoing a structural trade transformation, shifting from exporting physical goods like footwear and handbags to becoming a major exporter of manufacturing technology and services. In 2025, China's exports of telecoms, computer and information services reached US$118 billion, a 13% year-on-year increase, while traditional goods exports declined—footwear fell 9% to US$46 billion and handbags/suitcases dropped 13% to US$30 billion. Companies like Guangzhou-based iRootech are leading this shift, exporting industrial AI and computer vision technology to global manufacturers.
Ordnance Industry Science Technology magazine revealed a civilian cargo ship converted into a 'containerised destroyer' with firepower matching China's Type 052D destroyers. The 97-metre vessel displaces about 9,000 tonnes, carries 15 shipping containers each housing four vertical launch systems, and can deploy HHQ-9B and HHQ-9C surface-to-air missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles and CJ-10 cruise missiles.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has seized the Liberian-flagged container ship Epaminondas in the Gulf of Oman near Kuhestak. The vessel, operated by Danish company Maersk and chartered by Greece's Technomar group, was detained for numerous maritime violations and suspected US military use. The ship had repeatedly entered US ports over the past six months. The 21-member crew, citizens of Ukraine and the Philippines, remain aboard under the captain's command. The IRGC Navy stated the seizure was due to threats to maritime safety, lack of permits, and interference with navigation systems.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Liberian-flagged container ship Epaminondas, claiming it was used by the US military and had entered US ports repeatedly over six months. The vessel, operated by Danish company Maersk and chartered by Greece's Technomar group, was detained for maritime violations. The 21-member crew consists of Ukrainian and Filipino citizens. The Greek government stated the ship was not hijacked and remained under the captain's command.
Iran's recent use of swarms of fast boats to seize container ships near the Strait of Hormuz is raising new maritime security concerns. These operations, part of a layered threat system, challenge previous assessments of Tehran's naval capabilities and highlight difficulties in securing the vital oil route.
Iran has seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, its first captures since the Israel-Hamas war began, after firing on them and another vessel. The US has diverted at least three additional Iranian-flagged oil tankers in recent days, intensifying tensions in the strategic waterway that carries a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies.
Oil prices surged over 2% with Brent crude reaching $100.91 and WTI at $91.81 after Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure occurred shortly after President Trump extended a temporary ceasefire with Iran, citing fractured political leadership in Tehran. The U.S. will maintain its blockade of Iranian ports while awaiting a unified proposal from Iranian leaders.
Iranian forces seized the MSC-Francesca and Epaminondas container ships and fired on the Euphoria in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claims the vessels violated a blockade, while the incidents further threaten a critical global trade route amid the ongoing regional war.
Tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired on a container ship, causing damage. Another cargo vessel reported being fired upon. These incidents complicate US-Iran diplomatic efforts, despite a US ceasefire extension and Pakistan's mediation. The strategic waterway, crucial for global energy, remains under pressure amid escalating hostilities.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy seized two container ships in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, claiming maritime violations. The attacks occurred shortly after the US extended the ceasefire with Iran. A third vessel was also targeted. The incidents caused Brent crude futures to briefly surge above $100 before settling at $99.03. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil and gas transit.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz around 7:55 am, damaging the vessel's bridge. The attack occurred about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman without warning, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. Iran claims the ship ignored repeated warnings. All crew members are safe. The incident marks a fresh escalation amid wider maritime tensions between Iran and the US, with the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil shipping route—effectively disrupted.
According to the agency, the ship’s captain reported that the vessel was allegedly approached by the Iranian Navy
Import container shipments increased by 5.1% to 720,000 TEU
