🔶 Significant drop in ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed escalation of tensions

Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply following the renewed outbreak of clashes between the United States and Iran. The situation has dealt another blow to energy markets—an industry that was already under additional strain due to the biggest disruption.

According to a report by Lloyd’s Marine Intelligence Unit, published Thursday, July 9, since Tuesday, no large vessel from the route coordinated by the United States in the Strait of Hormuz has passed through while publicly broadcasting its location. In addition, the passage of trackable ships via the southern route near the coasts of Oman has “practically come to a complete halt.”

The marine intelligence company said: “Our data show that since July 7, no vessel with a cargo net weight capacity of more than 10,000 tons and with a transponder turned on has transited what is known as the ‘Southern Highway’ (toward the Oman side), although it is believed that at least two ships may have transited the route silently, without sending a signal.”