DID Press: A lesser-known consequence of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is the growing technical damage affecting vessels stranded for weeks in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.
According to a report by Financial Times, prolonged inactivity has led to the accumulation of barnacles, algae, and jellyfish on ship hulls, propellers, and seawater intake systems.
In the shipping industry, the phenomenon is known as fouling—a condition that can reduce vessel speed, increase fuel consumption, and, in severe cases, require ships to enter dry dock for extensive cleaning and maintenance.
Maritime experts say the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has not only affected global energy flows but is now significantly increasing operational and maintenance costs for commercial shipping fleets.
The report highlights how extended vessel delays in high-temperature Gulf waters can accelerate marine growth on submerged surfaces, creating additional technical challenges for ship operators.