Strait of Hormuz traffic plunges as US-Iran tensions persist

11:47

By: Azzat Manal

Strait of Hormuz traffic plunges as US-Iran tensions persist

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to disrupt maritime activity in the Gulf, highlighting growing uncertainty around one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Shipping data showed that only 12 commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway over the weekend, compared with 35 during the previous weekend. The latest figures underline the extent of the decline in visible maritime traffic since the conflict began in February.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a critical route for global energy markets, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies traditionally passing through the waterway. Before the war, around 125 large commercial vessels crossed the strait each day, including oil tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and container ships.

Kpler tracking data showed that four identifiable vessels left the strait on Sunday. Two were carrying refined petroleum products, while two others were empty bulk and gas carriers. At the same time, two smaller oil tankers entered the Gulf.

On Saturday, five vessels departed the Gulf carrying agricultural commodities, liquefied petroleum gas and fertilizer, while an empty very large gas carrier entered the waterway. However, the tracking data does not capture every vessel, as some tankers are reportedly operating with their automatic identification system transponders switched off, making them difficult to monitor through conventional ship-tracking systems.

Despite the sharp reduction in visible traffic, oil exports from Gulf producers have not completely stopped. Reuters reported that some Middle Eastern producers continue to move crude through the strait using tankers with their tracking systems disabled. Saudi crude exports have also recovered in September, illustrating the difference between observed vessel traffic and the actual volume of energy moving through the region.

The disruption is being closely watched by energy markets because prolonged restrictions on the waterway could affect shipping costs, tanker availability and the movement of crude oil, refined products and liquefied natural gas to major Asian and international markets.

The Strait of Hormuz has repeatedly faced periods of heightened geopolitical risk, but the current decline in shipping activity is particularly significant because of the waterway’s central role in global energy trade. Previous shipping data also showed traffic falling dramatically from its pre-war average after the conflict began on February 28.

With tensions between Washington and Tehran unresolved, shipping companies and energy traders continue to monitor developments closely. Any further deterioration in maritime security could add pressure to already disrupted supply chains, while a sustained improvement in regional security could gradually allow commercial traffic to recover.