Against the backdrop of renewed peak military tensions between the United States and Iran, maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined.
According to sea-news.az that mutual clashes and attacks on commercial vessels in the Middle East have pushed security concerns among global shipping companies to their maximum levels.
According to global vessel tracking (AIS) data from the analytics firm Kpler, only 6 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking the lowest figure in the last 5 weeks. The status of those few tankers passing through is as follows:
- 1 vessel: Transporting 2 million barrels of Iranian oil.
- 1 vessel: Transporting approximately 500,000 barrels of Kuwaiti oil products.
- 3 vessels: Empty tankers entering the Gulf to load oil.
Additionally, a tanker owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) departed the strait between July 10 and 12, continuing its journey toward the port of Dahej in India. Another notable point is that not a single liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker passed through the strait over the weekend.
The United States has responded to statements from the Iranian side regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the danger posed to vessels wishing to pass. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued an official statement declaring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all commercial and cargo vessels seeking lawful passage under international law, and that maritime security will be ensured.
Nevertheless, Iran’s expansion of attacks on targets in Gulf states following U.S. strikes, and its direct threat to energy routes, has impacted world markets, with oil prices rising rapidly by 4 percent.
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) monthly report, although global oil supply increased by 4.1 million barrels per day in June following the U.S.-Iran peace agreement, it still remains 9.4 million barrels lower compared to pre-war levels.
Before the regional war began on February 28 of this year, an average of 130 commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily. However, during the active phase of military operations, this figure dropped to as low as 1 vessel on some days, and in the first 100 days of the war, the daily average did not rise above 10 ships. This signifies a 95 percent decline in global maritime trade through the strategic waterway compared to the pre-war period.
