One Singapore ship was sunk, but here’s why others are still transiting the Strait of Hormuz
Two Singapore-registered container ships, GFS Pride and GFS Giselle, were attacked this week; GFS Pride sank after being struck by a projectile and catching fire, and GFS Giselle was damaged, with crew members from both vessels reported safe. Crossings through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 131 in the week ended Oct. 14 from 176 the previous week, according to Kpler, though the decline cannot be attributed solely to the latest incidents. Maritime experts said commercial vessels are likely to continue transiting the strait because demand for Middle Eastern energy and commercial incentives persist, even as major container lines largely stay away.
Why it matters: The continued transits despite attacks illustrate how commercial incentives and energy demand can sustain activity at maritime chokepoints even when security risks rise.