LONDON: Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with only a handful of vessels transiting the key energy route amid rising military tensions and enforcement measures, according to marine tracking data.
Reports based on ship-tracking firm Kpler indicate that movement through the strategic waterway has been heavily restricted in recent days, with most vessels either diverting or halting operations in surrounding waters.
The situation comes as the US military claims it has enforced a blockade targeting ships bound for or departing Iranian ports. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said no vessels had successfully passed through the restricted zone during the initial phase of the operation, adding that several ships were turned back after encountering US forces.
The Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has seen activity nearly grind to a halt following escalating regional conflict triggered in late February.
Tracking data shows multiple sanctioned tankers and cargo vessels either reversing course, stopping near coastal waters, or diverting toward alternate destinations. Some ships carrying Iranian-linked cargo reportedly altered routes mid-transit, while others remained stranded in or near the Gulf region.
Industry data suggests only a small number of commodity vessels have crossed the strait since early March, with most traffic moving away from the Gulf rather than toward it. Hundreds of ships are also believed to be waiting outside the passage, unable to proceed amid heightened security risks.
Analysts say the disruption has raised concerns over global energy supply stability, given the strait’s critical role in international oil and LNG transport.
While no fresh attacks on commercial shipping have been reported since a recent ceasefire announcement, earlier incidents involving dozens of vessels have already heightened insurance costs and operational uncertainty in the region.
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