The Hormuz bonus: Sailor salaries soar for transits amid Iran war
Tanker captains are receiving significant salary bonuses to navigate the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflict. Despite the risks, oil exports remain steady through a mix of pipeline usage and covert ship-to-ship transfers.
Why it matters
The high cost of transit and the use of covert shipping methods highlight the economic impact of the conflict on global energy supply chains.
Reports have emerged that tanker captains are earning $100,000 plus a $50,000 per-trip bonus to transit the strait.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near the beach of Bandar Abbas, Iran, on October 6, 2026 [Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA/via WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters] By Edna Mohamed Published On 8 Oct 2026 8 Oct 2026 As shipping traffic through the besieged Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest level since July this week, reports have emerged that sailors are being paid large bonuses for making the dangerous trip through the Gulf waterway.
Some captains are earning base salaries of as much as $100,000 – the high end of usual salaries which vary greatly between shipping companies – plus a $50,000 bonus per voyage through the strait, the UK’s Financial Times has reported.
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