The escalating Israel-Iran conflict has prompted shipowners to exercise an extra degree of caution in both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s threat to shut Homruz comes as a vessel crashed into two ships sailing nearby, 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE. The Emirati national guard said it evacuated 24 people from an oil tanker after the collision.

There are reports that a few shipping lines may be reassessing routes, particularly the choke point of the Strait of Hormuz, given the heightened threat in the region. This could further add to the transportation cost to and from the region.