Strait of Hormuz Ship Traffic Remains Well Below Average Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below normal levels, with only five commodity vessels crossing the key energy chokepoint on August 25, well below the 10-day average of 15 crossings according to preliminary data from shipping tracker Kpler, as cited by Reuters.

However, the data could be revised because some vessels have switched off their automatic identification system (AIS) transponders while crossing the waterway, making their movements more difficult to track.

The continued weakness in Hormuz traffic comes as Iran and Oman resumed discussions on managing navigation through the strait. The talks include proposals for a temporary joint shipping corridor and efforts to clear mines from the waterway. However, ING Economics said such arrangements are unlikely to restore oil flows to normal unless the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports and eases sanctions.

The latest shipping data follows a broader decline in maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict between Iran and the United States began. Reuters reported on August 24 that fewer than 20 commodity vessels crossed the strait over the weekend, with four crossings recorded on August 23 and 13 on August 22.

Iran has also increased restrictions on vessels using the waterway. On August 24, Tehran said it had blacklisted 45 tankers that it accused of violating its rules for crossing the strait and threatened measures including fines, detention and cargo confiscation.

The restrictions are affecting oil companies’ shipping strategies. At least three Indian refiners and a global energy company were planning to avoid vessels on Iran’s blacklist because of security concerns. Some of the listed vessels are linked to Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and have been used in ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman.