Stranded Ships in Gulf Face Marine Growth and Rising Costs

May 21, 2026

76 min

May 21, 2026 09:32

Ships stuck in Gulf face barnacles, jellyfish threat: Reports

## Marine Growth Challenges

Ships stranded in the Gulf are encountering significant issues due to marine growth, including barnacles, algae, and jellyfish. These organisms are accumulating on hulls and propellers, potentially hindering the ships' ability to depart even after regional tensions subside. This situation exacerbates an ongoing shipping crisis, which has already disrupted cargo flows and increased freight costs.

## Impact on Shipping Operations

The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz has left approximately 800 merchant ships and 20,000 seafarers stranded since late February. The warm, shallow Gulf waters encourage marine growth, which can clog systems and increase fuel consumption due to added drag. Some vessels have reported needing to travel slower due to the fouling.

## Regional Shipping Disruption

The crisis has forced shipping lines to reroute, causing congestion at alternative ports and significantly raising freight costs. Ports like Fujairah and Sohar are experiencing bottlenecks, and there is a mismatch in capacity as vessels shift from major hubs.

## Emergency Measures

Dubai Customs has implemented emergency logistics measures to alleviate the situation. These include a green cargo corridor with Oman, extended transit timelines, and coordination with customs authorities across the GCC. Essential goods such as food and medicine have been prioritized to ensure market availability.

## Crew Challenges

Seafarers are facing worsening conditions, with difficulties in obtaining replacement parts and growing psychological strain from extended periods at sea. Some have been on stationary ships for over 70 days, leading to increased stress and discomfort as the Gulf's summer heat intensifies.

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