Strait of Hormuz Traffic Plummets Amid Iran Conflict
The number of commodity-carrying vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz fell to just two on Monday (21 September), from 10 vessels a day earlier, according to initial shipping data. This sharp decline in activity along the strategic waterway marks a significant drop in maritime traffic amid ongoing tensions between Iran and other nations.
The decline in traffic comes as the Strait of Hormuz accounts for around 20% of the world’s daily crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. Typically, around 125 large commercial vessels pass through the strait each day, including tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships.
Vessel Traffic Drops Amid Conflict
Before the Iran conflict began on 28 February, the Strait of Hormuz was a busy waterway with over 125 vessels passing through daily. However, since then, the number of vessels has significantly decreased. The decline in traffic is attributed to the ongoing tensions between Iran and other nations, which have led to increased security measures and restrictions on vessel movements.
Vessels Attacked Amid Decline
Amid the decline in traffic, a crude oil tanker and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier were attacked in two separate incidents while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The information was provided by maritime intelligence and tracking company Marisk Intelligence on Tuesday (22 September).
The Isle of Man-flagged LR Stephanie crude oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while entering the strait on Monday (21 September). The incident left two crew members with minor injuries, according to a Marisks report. The vessel is managed by Universal Tanker Corp., which did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
A day earlier, the Liberia-flagged Al Maryah LPG tanker was attacked while leaving the strait. The vessel is managed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). ADNOC Logistics and Services’ media office said in an email to Reuters that the company does not comment on specific operational matters, including voyage planning or vessel movements.
Both vessels were able to continue their journeys without assistance from tugboats, according to the report. Marisks said it was not yet known who was responsible for either incident. Neither vessel was listed among those declared non-compliant by Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which has published its list of vessels.
Bab el-Mandeb Strait Traffic Remains Unaffected
Meanwhile, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, 26 vessels transited on Monday (21 September). The figure was unchanged from the previous day.
Original Article: Hormuz traffic plunges, with just two vessels passing — Idnfinancials