The military escalation in the Middle East, in addition to physical risks to vessels and crew, also creates a legal minefield. Commercial war-risk coverage has been withdrawn by most major insurers effective March 5, 2026, raising immediate questions among our members regarding their rights and obligations toward charterers and cargo interests.

Four experts explain why reversing the conflict’s effects on oil and gas production and tanker traffic from the Gulf will likely take much longer than many people realize, with only limited supply alternatives in the meantime.

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported an increase in global maritime incidents and piracy and armed robbery in 2025, classifying most cases as low-level.