Strait of Hormuz Shipping Disruptions Drive Oil Tanker Costs to Record Highs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy INSW?
Source: CNBC
- Shipping Costs Surge: Due to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, with Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) reaching a record daily rate of $423,736, representing an increase of over 94% from last Friday, directly impacting transportation costs in the global energy market.
- Insurance Coverage Canceled: Major marine insurers have scrapped war risk coverage for vessels operating in the Middle East, leading to increased risks for shipowners navigating the Strait of Hormuz, despite the waterway not being officially closed, which will further exacerbate shipping costs and supply delays.
- Global Energy Prices Rise: With shipping disruptions, global oil and gas prices have significantly increased, expected to create ripple effects in international markets, especially affecting the one-third of seaborne crude oil and 19% of liquefied natural gas flows that transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Shipping Companies' Response: Shipping giants, including Maersk, have suspended special cargo acceptance in the UAE, Oman, and other regions, indicating that shipping companies are prioritizing safety amid deteriorating security conditions, which may lead to decreased liquidity in global trade.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy INSW?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on INSW
Wall Street analysts forecast INSW stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 72.410
Low
57.00
Averages
58.00
High
60.00
Current: 72.410
Low
57.00
Averages
58.00
High
60.00
About INSW
International Seaways, Inc. is a tanker company engaged in providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in international flag markets. The Company operates through two segments: Crude Tankers and Product Carriers. The Crude Tankers segment is made up of a fleet of VLCCs, Suezmaxes, and Aframaxes engaged in the worldwide transportation of crude oil. This segment also includes its Crude Tankers Lightering business through which it provides ship-to-ship (STS) lightering support services and full-service STS lightering to customers in the United States Gulf (USG), United States Pacific, Grand Bahama, and Panama regions. The Product Carriers segment consists of a fleet of MRs, LR1 product carriers, and an LR2 product carrier engaged in the worldwide transportation of refined petroleum products. It owns and operates a fleet of about 84 vessels, including 11 VLCCs, 13 Suezmaxes, five Aframaxes/LR2s, 14 LR1s (including six new buildings), and 41 MR tankers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise, Oil Prices Surge
- Oil Price Surge: Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel due to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting market fears of supply disruptions that could lead to increased global energy costs and economic impacts.
- Iran's Military Stance: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that attacks on U.S. military bases in the Gulf are legitimate under international law, a position that may escalate regional tensions and affect international relations.
- New Leadership Impact: The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader is expected to unify the nation, with the spokesperson asserting that state institutions and the populace will rally around the new leadership, potentially leading to a more aggressive foreign policy.
- Sovereignty and International Law: Iran emphasized its right to choose its leaders without foreign intervention, asserting its commitment to defending national sovereignty under international law, which may provoke widespread attention and reactions from the international community.
See More
Kuwait Cuts Oil Production Amid Iran Threats
- Production Cuts: Kuwait has implemented oil production and refining cuts due to threats from Iran that have halted tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz, although the exact volume of cuts remains undisclosed, this precautionary measure will be reviewed as the situation evolves.
- OPEC Impact: As the fifth-largest oil producer in OPEC, Kuwait produced approximately 2.6 million barrels per day in January, and these cuts could significantly impact global oil supply, especially with the Strait of Hormuz closed, potentially leading to soaring oil prices.
- Market Reaction: Oil prices surged about 35% this week due to disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the Iran conflict, with Brent crude futures rising 8.52%, marking the largest weekly gain in history, indicating the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Storage Crisis: With oil barrels piling up in the Middle East, Gulf Arab countries face the risk of exhausting storage capacity, as Iraq has already cut 1.5 million barrels per day, and if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for over three weeks, more countries may shut down production, further driving up prices.
See More
No Timeline for Safe Passage in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Oil Prices
- Surging Oil Prices: U.S. oil prices have surged 28% this week to over $86 per barrel due to Iranian attacks on tankers, while Brent crude has risen 22% to $89, with analysts warning that prolonged closure of the Strait could push prices above $100, potentially triggering a global recession.
- Transport Disruptions: Normally, about 100 tankers pass through the Strait daily, but currently, around 400 are stuck in the Gulf due to the conflict, severely impacting global crude transportation and threatening supply chain stability.
- U.S. Navy Escort Commitment: President Trump has pledged to deploy the Navy to escort tankers if necessary and provide political risk insurance to owners, which calmed the market temporarily; however, analysts emphasize that restoring safe passage will require time and confidence in reduced Iranian military threats.
- Production Cut Risks: With the Strait of Hormuz inactive, Iraq has already cut production by 1.5 million barrels per day, and analysts warn that if the situation persists, Brent prices could spike to $120, exacerbating pressures on the global oil market.
See More
International Seaways Stock Trend Analysis
- Price Growth Trend: International Seaways (INSW) has seen a 52.7% increase in stock price over the past 12 weeks, reflecting investors' sustained confidence in its potential upside, thereby enhancing its appeal for short-term investors.
- Stable Short-Term Performance: The stock has risen 23.9% in the last four weeks, further confirming the continuity of its price trend, indicating that the stock still possesses strong upward momentum in the near term.
- Strong Technical Indicators: Currently, INSW is trading at 94.4% of its 52-week high-low range, suggesting it may be on the verge of a breakout, attracting more investor attention.
- Ratings and Recommendations: With a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker recommendation of #1 (Strong Buy), INSW indicates high market optimism regarding its future performance, potentially driving further stock price increases.
See More
U.S. to Support Oil Trade in the Gulf
- Oil Price Decline: U.S. crude oil prices fell 1.1% to $73.74 per barrel on Wednesday, marking the first drop since the U.S. initiated military actions against Iran, indicating market concerns over future developments.
- Government Support Measures: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration will provide insurance for oil tankers in the Gulf through the International Development Finance Corporation and promised naval escorts if necessary, aiming to restore market confidence.
- Strait of Hormuz Traffic Standstill: Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a halt as ship owners fear Iranian retaliatory strikes, with the strait being the world's most critical chokepoint for oil trade, accounting for about 20% of global oil consumption.
- Market Reaction: Despite a 6% and 5% increase in U.S. crude prices on Monday and Tuesday respectively, market sentiment turned cautious following Bessent's announcement of further support measures, leading to a decline in oil prices.
See More
U.S. Treasury Secretary Announces Measures to Stabilize Oil Shipments
- Oil Shipment Stabilization: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, indicating the government's readiness to intervene amid geopolitical tensions to ensure the safety of this critical energy corridor.
- Insurance Support: The U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, a move designed to mitigate transportation risks arising from escalating conflicts with Iran, thereby safeguarding maritime trade.
- Price Volatility: U.S. crude prices surged 11% this week to $74.62 per barrel, with a total gain of 30% in 2026, as fears mount that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push prices above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed.
- Market Supply Stability: Bessent emphasized that despite rising tensions in the Middle East, oil markets are well supplied, and the U.S. is in a stronger position than during the early stages of the Ukraine war, citing record domestic oil and natural gas production and its growing role as a major exporter.
See More
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise, Oil Prices Surge
- Oil Price Surge: Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel due to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting market fears of supply disruptions that could lead to increased global energy costs and economic impacts.
- Iran's Military Stance: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that attacks on U.S. military bases in the Gulf are legitimate under international law, a position that may escalate regional tensions and affect international relations.
- New Leadership Impact: The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader is expected to unify the nation, with the spokesperson asserting that state institutions and the populace will rally around the new leadership, potentially leading to a more aggressive foreign policy.
- Sovereignty and International Law: Iran emphasized its right to choose its leaders without foreign intervention, asserting its commitment to defending national sovereignty under international law, which may provoke widespread attention and reactions from the international community.
See More
Kuwait Cuts Oil Production Amid Iran Threats
- Production Cuts: Kuwait has implemented oil production and refining cuts due to threats from Iran that have halted tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz, although the exact volume of cuts remains undisclosed, this precautionary measure will be reviewed as the situation evolves.
- OPEC Impact: As the fifth-largest oil producer in OPEC, Kuwait produced approximately 2.6 million barrels per day in January, and these cuts could significantly impact global oil supply, especially with the Strait of Hormuz closed, potentially leading to soaring oil prices.
- Market Reaction: Oil prices surged about 35% this week due to disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the Iran conflict, with Brent crude futures rising 8.52%, marking the largest weekly gain in history, indicating the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Storage Crisis: With oil barrels piling up in the Middle East, Gulf Arab countries face the risk of exhausting storage capacity, as Iraq has already cut 1.5 million barrels per day, and if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for over three weeks, more countries may shut down production, further driving up prices.
See More
No Timeline for Safe Passage in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Oil Prices
- Surging Oil Prices: U.S. oil prices have surged 28% this week to over $86 per barrel due to Iranian attacks on tankers, while Brent crude has risen 22% to $89, with analysts warning that prolonged closure of the Strait could push prices above $100, potentially triggering a global recession.
- Transport Disruptions: Normally, about 100 tankers pass through the Strait daily, but currently, around 400 are stuck in the Gulf due to the conflict, severely impacting global crude transportation and threatening supply chain stability.
- U.S. Navy Escort Commitment: President Trump has pledged to deploy the Navy to escort tankers if necessary and provide political risk insurance to owners, which calmed the market temporarily; however, analysts emphasize that restoring safe passage will require time and confidence in reduced Iranian military threats.
- Production Cut Risks: With the Strait of Hormuz inactive, Iraq has already cut production by 1.5 million barrels per day, and analysts warn that if the situation persists, Brent prices could spike to $120, exacerbating pressures on the global oil market.
See More
International Seaways Stock Trend Analysis
- Price Growth Trend: International Seaways (INSW) has seen a 52.7% increase in stock price over the past 12 weeks, reflecting investors' sustained confidence in its potential upside, thereby enhancing its appeal for short-term investors.
- Stable Short-Term Performance: The stock has risen 23.9% in the last four weeks, further confirming the continuity of its price trend, indicating that the stock still possesses strong upward momentum in the near term.
- Strong Technical Indicators: Currently, INSW is trading at 94.4% of its 52-week high-low range, suggesting it may be on the verge of a breakout, attracting more investor attention.
- Ratings and Recommendations: With a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker recommendation of #1 (Strong Buy), INSW indicates high market optimism regarding its future performance, potentially driving further stock price increases.
See More
U.S. to Support Oil Trade in the Gulf
- Oil Price Decline: U.S. crude oil prices fell 1.1% to $73.74 per barrel on Wednesday, marking the first drop since the U.S. initiated military actions against Iran, indicating market concerns over future developments.
- Government Support Measures: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration will provide insurance for oil tankers in the Gulf through the International Development Finance Corporation and promised naval escorts if necessary, aiming to restore market confidence.
- Strait of Hormuz Traffic Standstill: Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a halt as ship owners fear Iranian retaliatory strikes, with the strait being the world's most critical chokepoint for oil trade, accounting for about 20% of global oil consumption.
- Market Reaction: Despite a 6% and 5% increase in U.S. crude prices on Monday and Tuesday respectively, market sentiment turned cautious following Bessent's announcement of further support measures, leading to a decline in oil prices.
See More
U.S. Treasury Secretary Announces Measures to Stabilize Oil Shipments
- Oil Shipment Stabilization: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, indicating the government's readiness to intervene amid geopolitical tensions to ensure the safety of this critical energy corridor.
- Insurance Support: The U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, a move designed to mitigate transportation risks arising from escalating conflicts with Iran, thereby safeguarding maritime trade.
- Price Volatility: U.S. crude prices surged 11% this week to $74.62 per barrel, with a total gain of 30% in 2026, as fears mount that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push prices above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed.
- Market Supply Stability: Bessent emphasized that despite rising tensions in the Middle East, oil markets are well supplied, and the U.S. is in a stronger position than during the early stages of the Ukraine war, citing record domestic oil and natural gas production and its growing role as a major exporter.
See More
