Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic falls to a weekly low

Wednesday 12 August 2026 - 13:16

By: Azzat Manal

Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic falls to a weekly low

Shipping data showed that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to its lowest level in a week on Tuesday, as shipowners continued to avoid the strategically important waterway amid heightened tensions surrounding the conflict with Iran.

According to data from Kpler, only eight vessels were detected in the strait during the day, below the 10-day average of around 12 vessels. The figure represented the lowest daily traffic level since August 5, 2026.

Only one vessel, a coal carrier, was reported to have exited the strait, while seven vessels entered the waterway. All seven followed the Iranian side of the passage.

Separate figures from the London Stock Exchange Group showed a somewhat higher level of activity, with 11 vessels recorded passing through the strait on Tuesday, down from 14 the previous day. The difference between the datasets reflects variations in tracking and vessel-identification methods.

The sharp decline comes amid continued military and political tensions in the region. The United States and Yemen's Houthi movement have reported separate attacks, while prospects for ending the conflict with Iran remain uncertain. Tehran has also indicated that the strait will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime energy corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the waterway was closed following the start of US-Israeli attacks on February 28, 2026, between 130 and 140 vessels would typically pass through the strait each day.

The reduction in traffic has therefore raised concerns about the potential impact on international energy supplies and global shipping. Any prolonged disruption could increase transportation costs and place additional pressure on energy markets, particularly because the strait is a major route for oil and other energy exports from the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea remained comparatively stronger. Kpler recorded 30 vessels passing through the waterway on Tuesday, above its 10-day average of 25 vessels.

The contrasting figures underline the changing patterns of maritime traffic in the region, as shipping companies adjust their routes in response to security risks. Continued restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz could have wider consequences for international trade, energy prices and supply chains if the disruption persists.