Shipping Crisis in the Gulf: Barnacles and Jellyfish Complicate Recovery Efforts
Ships stuck in Gulf face barnacles, jellyfish threat: Reports

Image: Gulf News
Over 800 merchant ships are stranded in the Gulf, facing a new threat from barnacles, algae, and jellyfish that are accumulating on their hulls and propellers. This fouling is complicating efforts to resume normal shipping operations, which have already been disrupted by regional conflicts, leading to increased freight costs and logistical challenges.
- 01Marine growth on ships can significantly increase fuel consumption and slow down vessels, creating operational challenges.
- 02Freight costs have reportedly increased by four to six times as shipping lines divert from traditional routes, causing congestion at alternative ports.
- 03Dubai Customs has implemented emergency measures, including extending transit timelines from 30 days to 90 days to facilitate cargo movement.
- 04Seafarers are facing worsening conditions, with some waiting over 70 days on stranded ships, struggling to receive essential replacement parts.
- 05The situation has led to a 'mismatch of capacity' at ports not equipped to handle the diverted shipping volumes, complicating logistics.
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In the Gulf, over 800 merchant ships remain stranded due to ongoing regional conflicts, leading to a new challenge: the accumulation of barnacles, algae, and jellyfish on their hulls and propellers. This fouling not only complicates the eventual departure of these vessels but also increases fuel consumption as ships must work harder to navigate through the water. Shipping executives, including Rolf Habben Jansen from Hapag-Lloyd, have reported significant marine growth on their vessels, which has raised operational costs and delayed cargo deliveries.
The disruption has caused freight costs to surge by four to six times, forcing shipping lines to reroute through less equipped ports, which has created congestion and logistical bottlenecks. In response, Dubai Customs has introduced emergency measures to alleviate pressure on supply chains, such as extending transit timelines to 90 days and facilitating cargo movement across multiple ports.
As the situation drags on, seafarers are facing severe psychological strain from prolonged periods at sea, with some waiting over 70 days for essential repairs and parts. The combination of environmental challenges and logistical disruptions continues to complicate the recovery of Gulf shipping operations.
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The shipping crisis is affecting local economies reliant on maritime trade, leading to increased costs and delays for essential goods.
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