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Commodity vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to single-digit daily levels over the weekend, highlighting growing disruption to one of the world’s most important energy and shipping routes.
Preliminary ship-tracking data released Monday showed traffic running well below the 10-day average of 14 vessels per day. Only four commodity vessels exited the Gulf over the weekend, including a Handysize ship sailing in ballast, a Handy vessel carrying liquefied petroleum gas, a Supramax transporting fertilizer and a Suezmax loaded with crude oil or condensate.
Ten vessels entered the Gulf, including ships carrying grain, metals, dry bulk and other minor bulk commodities. However, the figures exclude vessels that may have crossed the Strait of Hormuz with their Automatic Identification System transponders switched off to avoid tracking.
Shipping risks increased further after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile while passing through the strait early Sunday. The condition of the crew, extent of damage and potential environmental impact remained unclear.
Pressure on regional energy transportation also intensified after Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline was temporarily shut following a drone attack originating from Iraq, according to Saudi officials. The pipeline had provided an important alternative route as congestion and security risks disrupted Hormuz shipping.
Before the Iran war began on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz typically handled around 125 large commercial vessels daily, including oil tankers, gas carriers, bulk ships and container vessels. The waterway accounted for roughly 20% of global daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Iranian crude exports have also remained halted since a U.S. blockade targeting Iran-linked shipping was reimposed in mid-July.
Meanwhile, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait remained comparatively stable. Tracking data showed 24 commodity vessels crossed on Saturday and 27 on Sunday, versus a 10-day average of approximately 27 ships per day.
