Hormuz Shipping Traffic Crashes to 4 Vessels Amid US-Israel-Iran Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has seen an unprecedented decline in commercial shipping as tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate. According to preliminary Kpler shipping data, only four commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway on Tuesday, down from seven the day earlier and significantly below the recent 10-day average of 18.
The sharp drop in traffic has raised concerns about energy supplies as the Strait of Hormuz normally carries a major share of global oil and LNG supplies. The latest figure marks another significant decline in shipping activity, with Reuters reporting repeated drops in traffic due to increased security risks for commercial vessels.
No very large crude carriers or LNG tankers appeared among Tuesday's four recorded transits. One vessel, the Salute, reportedly exited the waterway carrying around 470,000 barrels of liquefied petroleum gas. Another tanker, Nautilus, carrying about 510,000 barrels of naphtha, also exited through what was listed as an unknown or 'dark' route.
The security situation around Hormuz has deteriorated after several incidents involving commercial and fishing vessels. Two fishing boats were reportedly struck by drones near Iran's Larak Island, with several crew members reported missing. Search-and-rescue operations were launched after the incident.