SIMIC

Gas suppliers re-routed or reduced speed on some liquefied natural gas vessels currently en route to North Asia, according to people familiar with the matter.

Shipping companies are assessed their options after China¡¯s response to the visit of the highest-ranking US official to the island in 25 years. The actions threaten to disrupt one of the world¡¯s busiest waterways.

China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, condemned Ms Pelosi's visit and said its military exercises would include "long-range live firing" near Taiwan, as well as more drills encircling the island.

Local branches of China¡¯s maritime safety administration have issued multiple warnings for ships to avoid certain territories, citing the military exercises. A notice from the regulator in Fujian, the province along the Taiwan Strait, said ships were banned from sailing into the areas where exercises will be conducted.

Taiwan's Maritime and Port Bureau warned ships to find alternative routes to access and depart from seven major ports on the island during China's drills, according to the Apple Daily.

Ship managers and shipowners said traffic overall through the Taiwan Strait was normal on and consulting firms reported little impact for oil tankers in the region.

But as China ramps up military activity and bans take effect, shippers may need to reroute vessels around the eastern side of the island, rather than through the busy waterway between mainland China and Taiwan.