The number of vessels tracked in the Strait of Hormuz fell to an eight-vessel weekly low on Tuesday, as shipping companies continued to avoid the strategic waterway amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
Shipping data showed that the decline came as prospects for an end to the conflict involving Iran appeared to weaken. Tehran has warned that the strait will remain closed unless Washington agrees to its conditions.
According to Kpler data, only eight vessels were recorded in the strait on Tuesday, below the 10-day average of around 12 and marking the lowest daily figure since August 5.
Only one vessel, a coal carrier, exited the waterway, while the remaining seven were still transiting the strait. All seven vessels entering the waterway used the Iranian side of the route.
Separate data from LSEG showed 11 vessel transits on Tuesday, down from 14 the previous day.
Hormuz Traffic Remains Far Below Prewar Levels
Before Iran closed the waterway following the start of US-Israeli attacks on February 28, around 130 to 140 vessels typically crossed the Strait of Hormuz each day.
The sharp decline in traffic reflects growing concerns among shipowners over security risks in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The latest drop also comes after the United States and Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen reported separate attacks, further adding to uncertainty over regional security and the prospects for de-escalation.
Bab al-Mandeb Traffic Rises
Meanwhile, vessel traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea increased on Tuesday.
Kpler data showed that 30 vessels crossed the strait, above the 10-day average of 25.
The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb are critical shipping routes for global energy and commodity supplies, meaning prolonged disruptions could put further pressure on oil prices, freight costs and international supply chains.
