Shipping earnings under pressure as Middle East crisis hits cargo flows

The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is expected to increase volatility across the global shipping sector, as major operators suspend or reroute cargo flows following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, end of February, according to an analysis by Morningstar DBRS.

The most affected trade flows are oil tankers, after major oil companies and tanker operators halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s blockade of the passage.

The disruption has already begun to ripple through tanker markets.