Wanted: War-Zone Divers to Scrape Barnacles From Hulls of Ships Waiting to Sail Strait of Hormuz (opens original article in a new tab)

Demand for divers to clean barnacles from ship hulls has surged as 600 vessels in the Persian Gulf prepare to sail following a potential peace deal between the US and Iran, with cleaning fees rising significantly.

• Demand for ocean divers to scrape barnacles from ship hulls has increased 30-fold due to ships preparing to leave the Persian Gulf
• Fees for hull cleaning could rise up to 60% to $8,000 per vessel as the Strait of Hormuz prepares to reopen
• About 600 vessels remain trapped in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing disruptions to global energy markets
• Barnacles pose a risk of invasive species and are prohibited in most ports, requiring specialized cleaning