Strait of Hormuz Closure Again Causes Shipping Disruptions and Rate Surge

June 22, 2026 / Reuters / Urgency Level: P1

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard announced renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple oil tankers appeared near Abadan on June 21 and Singapore reported a sharp drop in vessel transits on Sunday June 22. Data includes three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) each carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude and fuel oil, one heading to Japan. The U.S. military states commercial vessels continue operating, yet Iran attributes the move to violations of the provisional memorandum by Israel and the U.S. The Strait re-closed following the cautious reopening on June 18. Normal war risk insurance costs approximately 15万美元 per voyage and could surge to 500万美元 during conflict.

Impact on trade logistics industry (FCL importers): Shipping routes disrupted with vessel throughput reduced, affecting cargo delivery timing and supply chain stability.

Previously reported cautious reopening on June 18, closure reported June 20.

Meanwhile Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 12% to 3,969 USD per 40ft container, the highest in 18 months. Trans-Pacific spot rates increased, Shanghai to New York 15% higher at 6,769 USD/40ft and Shanghai to Los Angeles 10% higher at 5,142 USD/40ft. Six blank sailings announced for Trans-Pacific next week and three for Asia-Europe. Carriers managing capacity tightly, Mediterranean supply constrained, sustaining upward pressure on spot rates.

Canada imposed 10% global tariff on canned vegetables, excluding the United States and Mexico. This could raise import costs of inputs for Mexico.

From 2026, ECHO Global Logistics expands cargo scope in Mexico. Data requirements stricter, real-time visibility higher, and enforcement in Mexican customs stronger, raising the standard for all FCL maritime transport.

Verra released the VM0053 Alternative Low-Carbon Fuels for Shipping v1.0 methodology. This provides the first structured independent framework to quantify emission reductions in maritime transport, closing a critical regulatory gap in global trade. Applies to new or existing vessels operating in territorial or high seas waters.