Data Reveals Slowdown in Shipping Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz This Week

Recent data reveals a notable decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with only 33 vessels recorded from Monday to Thursday this week. This figure compares to 50 vessels in the same period last week, reflecting a significant drop in activity. According to "Kepler" energy analytics, only four ships transited on Thursday. These included the supertanker "Nissos Kia," carrying two million barrels of Iraqi Basra crude, plus two LPG tankers and a small bulk carrier, confirming a marked slowdown in maritime traffic. The data indicated just six crude oil tankers departed the Strait this week, while 21 vessels entered, mostly via the Iranian route. This suggests a shift in navigation patterns due to regional security and political tensions. Historically, Strait of Hormuz traffic ranged from 130 to 140 vessels before the waterway's closure following regional conflicts on February 28. This led to major disruptions in global oil supplies and a sharp rise in energy prices. In a related context, Kepler data showed 26 vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea on Thursday, versus 19 the previous day. LSEG, using a different methodology, counted 28 vessels.