Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply at the start of the week as tensions between the United States and Iran continued and concerns grew over a possible resumption of military operations between the two sides, casting uncertainty over shipping through one of the world’s most important energy trade routes.
Shipping data on Monday showed that 12 cargo-carrying vessels passed through the strait on Saturday and Sunday, compared with 35 vessels during the same period a week earlier, according to preliminary data.
The figures do not include some vessels that may have crossed the strait after switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters to avoid detection, meaning the actual number of vessels could be higher.
Escalation Around the Strait
The decline in maritime traffic comes amid growing military and political tensions between Washington and Tehran, increasing uncertainty for shipping companies over the safety of passage.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that, as of September 20, U.S. forces had directed 109 commercial vessels to alter course as part of measures it said were intended to ensure “full compliance with the blockade” imposed on Iran.
In another development, Iran’s military said on Sunday evening that it had shot down an OrbitER reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian air defenses reportedly struck and destroyed the drone at 6:30 p.m. local time in the southeastern part of the country.
Iran’s unified military command said Tehran had received information indicating that the United States was preparing to resume military operations, warning that any U.S. attack would be met with “continuous strikes on U.S. bases and interests.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said “something very big could happen very soon regarding Iran,” adding that the options included “wiping Iran out,” allowing it to “rot economically,” or reaching a “deal and agreement.”
Trump also issued fresh warnings to the Iranian authorities, speaking of the possibility of “blowing up all of Iran” and urging Iranian officials to “behave.”
Shipping Before the War
The scale of the current decline becomes more apparent when compared with shipping levels before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. At that time, the strait saw an average of around 125 large commercial vessels pass through each day, including oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers and container ships.
The strait also carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.
Some vessels are attempting to use alternative routes closer to the Omani coast to reduce risks, while Iran continues to insist that maritime traffic must use routes designated by its authorities.
Tehran had previously established a body to manage traffic through the strait and threatened action against vessels it said violated Iranian transit rules, including fines, detention and cargo seizures.
Shipping activity and oil and gas flows through the strait have remained well below normal levels, amid concerns that any renewed military escalation could cause further disruption to global trade and energy markets.
Source: Reuters
