As the only passage to the ocean from many of the oil-producing states of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz is a vastly important strategic waterway that lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
In March 2009, the U.S. Navy vessels USS New Orleans; an amphibious ship, and USS Hartford; a submarine, collided in the Strait of Hormuz. 15 sailors aboard USS Hartford suffered minor injures.The USS New Orleans ruptured a fuel tank, which caused 25,000 liters of diesel fuel to spill in the water. Both vessels were damaged, but could operate after the collision.VOA: US Navy Vessels Collide in Strait of Hormuz (March 20, 2009) CNN: U.S. Navy vessels collide near Iran (March 20, 2009)
Navy Collision
In March 2009, the U.S. Navy vessels USS New Orleans; an amphibious ship, and USS Hartford; a submarine, collided in the Strait of Hormuz. It is not clear what caused the collision, which is under investigation.CNN: U.S. Navy vessels collide near Iran (March 20, 2009)
Strait of Hormuz Books
- Inside the Danger Zone: Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf 1987-88
References
Fast Facts
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Between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
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Narrowest part of the strait
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About 40% of the world's oil that is transported by water passes through itReuters: The Strait of Hormuz, key oil shipping route (March 20, 2009)
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About 90% of the oil exported from the Persian Gulf is transported through itReuters: The Strait of Hormuz, key oil shipping route (March 20, 2009)
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The amount of oil exported through it expected to double in the next yearsReuters: The Strait of Hormuz, key oil shipping route (March 20, 2009)
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