11 hours ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Strait of Hormuz Vessel Insurance Rates Jump 60% over Rising Geopolitical Risks
Taarek Refaat
Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have surged more than 60% in recent days, as rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel cast a shadow over one of the world's most vital oil shipping lanes.
According to a report by the Financial Times, hull and machinery insurance—which covers physical damage to ships—has jumped from 0.125% to around 0.2% of a vessel's value since the start of the conflict. For a ship valued at $100 million, this equates to a rise from $125,000 to $200,000 in insurance costs per passage, based on data from Marsh McLennan, the world's largest insurance brokerage.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor between Iran and Oman, is a strategic chokepoint through which about a fifth of global oil supply flows. The increase in insurance premiums underscores mounting fears of disruption, despite no direct attacks on commercial vessels being reported so far in the Gulf.
'We haven't seen a missile fired at a ship in the Arabian Gulf yet, so this is a signal from the market of growing concern,' said Marcus Baker, global head of marine and cargo insurance at Marsh McLennan. 'Prices could rise further.'
Concerns are being driven not only by the threat of missile strikes but also by electronic interference, Houthi rebel activity, and the potential for direct U.S. or Israeli military involvement in the region. On Monday, two oil tankers collided near the Strait, and one was found to be transmitting unusual location signals, fueling suspicions of GPS spoofing or jamming.
Insurers are increasingly wary of the Houthis, a Yemeni militant group backed by Iran, possibly expanding their attacks to target U.S., U.K., and Israeli-flagged vessels more aggressively.
While some insurance providers may consider withdrawing coverage, others are prepared to assume the risk, Baker noted. 'War itself, as an insurance product, tends to be… lose everything or make a fortune. Many insurers have made significant fortunes willing to take the risk.'
Although cargo insurance—which covers goods like crude oil—has yet to rise as sharply, brokers expect those rates to climb soon as well, especially if shipping disruptions continue or the conflict escalates.
In parallel, analysts at Nomura are warning that ongoing trade tensions, especially between the U.S. and Asian economies, will keep tariffs elevated, particularly in the context of U.S.-China rivalry, further complicating the global trade landscape.
read more
CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion
Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect
Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document
Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister
Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years
Business
Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Business
Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue
Business
Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday
Business
Wheat delivery season commences on April 15
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Videos & Features
Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
News
Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Technology
50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
News
3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand