Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest level since May on Thursday, as escalating military action between the United States and Iran prompted shipping companies to halt voyages, delay departures and reverse course.
The renewed disruption follows recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and the resumption of a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran-related shipping, raising fresh concerns over global energy security and oil supplies.
Shipping data showed that only three commodity vessels transited the strategic waterway on Thursday, far below the average of around 125 vessels per day before the conflict intensified.
Shipping traffic collapses
According to shipping intelligence data, the sanctioned product tanker Miraan and the LPG carrier Norita exited the Strait of Hormuz through Iranian waters before stopping in the Gulf of Oman, where U.S. naval forces are enforcing the blockade.
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Another vessel, Arolia, carrying Iraqi fuel oil used for marine bunkering, initially left the Gulf before making a U-turn and returning, highlighting growing uncertainty among shipping operators.
The previous day saw only 11 vessel transits through the strait, underscoring the sharp decline in maritime activity.
Oil tankers remain largely absent
For a second consecutive day, no Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling that major energy exporters and shipping companies remain reluctant to risk transit.
However, two VLCCs carrying around two million barrels of crude oil each reappeared on vessel tracking systems outside the strait after previously disappearing from public tracking.
The Colombia Prosperity, loaded with Saudi crude, is heading toward Japan, while the Costa Rica Prosperity, carrying Iraqi Basra Medium crude, is bound for Turkey.
Energy exports face fresh disruption
The regional energy supply chain also faced new disruptions after Iraq temporarily suspended oil loadings at its Basra export terminal following a drone strike on an oil tanker. Operations later resumed after authorities assessed the situation.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated that no oil or gas exports would pass through the Strait of Hormuz while U.S. military attacks continue.
Tehran has also signalled it could encourage Yemen’s Houthi movement to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea if Washington expands strikes against Iranian infrastructure.
Oil markets remain on edge
The Strait of Hormuz normally handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it the world’s most strategically important maritime energy chokepoint.
The sharp fall in vessel movements has reinforced fears of prolonged supply disruptions, helping keep global oil prices elevated as traders monitor military developments across the Gulf.
Shipping companies, insurers and commodity traders are also reassessing risks, with higher insurance premiums and operational costs expected to add further pressure to global energy markets.
Why it matters
The collapse in Hormuz shipping highlights how rapidly geopolitical conflict can disrupt global energy supply chains. Even without a complete closure of the strait, reduced vessel traffic, delayed cargoes and heightened security risks are tightening oil markets and increasing costs for exporters and importers alike.
The possibility of simultaneous disruptions at both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would place unprecedented pressure on global energy and commercial shipping routes.
Future outlook
Attention will now focus on whether military tensions continue to escalate or whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further disruption to maritime trade. Any expansion of U.S. strikes against Iranian infrastructure or additional attacks on commercial shipping could trigger a further collapse in vessel traffic through Hormuz.
Markets will also closely monitor Iran’s next moves regarding the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, as any coordinated disruption involving Houthi forces would threaten another critical global shipping corridor. Combined with reduced tanker availability, rising insurance costs and tighter energy supplies, a prolonged crisis could sustain upward pressure on oil prices and deepen volatility across global commodity markets.
With information from Reuters.
