Significant Decline in Vessel Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to 6.

The conflicts between the U.S. and Iran have also impacted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Kpler data, only 6 commodity ships passed through the strait on September 8, while the average for the last 10 days was recorded at 12.

Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical transit points for global energy trade, has sharply declined due to increasing military tensions in the region.

According to preliminary data from Kpler, only 6 commodity ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, September 8. The number of ships that passed the previous day was 9, while the average for the last 10 days is approximately at 12.

The rising tensions in the region are affecting not only maritime transportation but also the oil markets. Due to concerns about the slowdown in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the price of Brent crude oil per barrel rose above $99 on September 9, approaching the $100 threshold.

Iran announced it attacked 10 ships.

During the period of declining maritime traffic in Hormuz, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards also announced that they targeted some vessels in the strait.

According to a statement reported by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency, the Revolutionary Guards targeted 2 U.S. ships and 8 oil tankers in response to U.S. attacks on 5 Iranian oil tankers. Additionally, it was reported that 10 ships attempting to pass through the 'prohibited and unsafe' area in the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. support were attacked.

The decrease in transits through the Strait of Hormuz is being closely monitored in terms of global energy supply. As the strait is one of the most important maritime transit points for global oil trade, every military development in the region directly exerts pressure on freight, insurance, and energy prices.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye