Three Pakistani cargo vessels remained stranded around the Strait of Hormuz during the current Iran, United States, and Israel war, according to official documents from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The documents revealed that Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels MT Karachi, MT P1 Leki, and MT Multan were present in the Gulf before the war began and were initially unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz because of security restrictions and operational disruptions in the region.
According to the ministry, diplomatic efforts later helped secure clearance for MT Karachi, which was allowed to continue its eastbound journey on March 15.
Pakistan-bound tanker movements through Hormuz had become increasingly difficult after the war sharply disrupted one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The documents further clarified that MT Lahore and MT Khairpur were not stranded due to the Hormuz tensions, although both vessels remain in the region awaiting further operational instructions and approvals.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs stated that Karachi Gateway Terminal had not suspended new export bookings for Gulf countries despite disruptions in regional shipping operations. However, freight charges have surged sharply, with transportation costs increasing up to five times compared to normal conditions.
Officials said feeder services had now been launched through Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited to help manage cargo movement amid disruptions in Gulf shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has severely impacted global shipping and energy markets over recent months after the Iran conflict disrupted vessel movement through the narrow waterway, which normally handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Pakistan has remained particularly vulnerable because of its heavy dependence on Gulf energy imports, especially crude oil, diesel, and LNG supplies from Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Recent Reuters reports showed Pakistan negotiating safe passage arrangements for fuel shipments through the strait, while some Pakistani-flagged vessels managed limited crossings under diplomatic understandings with Iran.
