Navigation in the Seaway of Hormuz is entering a trajectory of further destabilization.
Iranian forces have moved to seize two containerships, sending a message of tight control over the passage of ships through this critical shipping lane.
As Iranian sources reveal, the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas ships are accused of moving in violation of navigation regulations and without the required authorization, thus – according to Tehran – endangering the security of the region.
The same reports say the ships were put under Iranian control and headed for the country’s coast.
Of particular interest is the case of the Epaminondas (6,673 TEU, built in 1998), which, although managed by MSC and linked to Greek interests, is reported to have been hit by an Iranian naval unit. Reports indicate extensive damage to the bridge, but no injuries among the crew members.
At the same time, the MSC Francesca (11,660 TEU, built in 2008) remains stranded in the area after a failed transit attempt, reinforcing the image of a zone where freedom of navigation is now under strict conditions.
The two ships join a wider list of at least eight MSC containerships that have been trapped in the Persian Gulf since the start of hostilities, demonstrating the ongoing disruption of maritime logistics and the growing influence of geopolitical developments on the operation of global shipping.
At least three container ships came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz today, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime safety sources.
The bridge of the Liberian-flagged Greek-owned cargo ship EPAMINONDAS was damaged by bullets and rockets in the maritime zone northeast of Oman. The ship had been informed that it had permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to intelligence firm Vanguard Tech.
The UKMTO said a Revolutionary Guards gunboat approached without radio warning and then opened fire causing severe damage to the bridge. There was no fire and the crew were unharmed.
Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the ship “ignored the warnings of the Iranian military forces.”
Later, the UKMTO reported that a second container ship came under fire while sailing eight nautical miles west of Iran. The Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was not damaged and the crew were unharmed.
Naval safety sources said a third container ship flying the Liberian flag was also fired upon while sailing eight nautical miles west of Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. The ship stopped sailing. The crew is safe.
