Hormuz Traffic Remains Fraction of Pre-War Levels as Vessels Adopt Stealth Measures

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint in global oil trade, despite recent efforts to increase tanker traffic. According to Reuters, more than four months into the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, only a fraction of pre-war levels are crossing through the strait.

Average daily traffic has remained at around three tankers per day since the conflict began, with roughly one-tenth of normal volumes passing through.

However, an analysis by Vortexa suggests that transit activity has quietly accelerated. The shipping analytics firm estimates that 65% of outbound laden tankers transited in 'dark' mode in May, with vessels switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) before and after crossing the strait.