Only Five Ships Cross Strait Of Hormuz In 24 Hours
Only Five Ships Cross Strait Of Hormuz In 24 Hours
Shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply, with only five ships passing through the key Gulf waterway in 24 hours. The slowdown comes amid heightened security fears after Iran seized two container ships and the United States continued its blockade of Iranian ports.
Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Traffic Drops
The latest shipping data showed that only five vessels, including one Iranian oil products tanker, crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the 24-hour period. This is far below the pre-war average of around 140 daily ship passages through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, handling a major share of global oil and LNG supplies. Any prolonged disruption can affect fuel availability, shipping schedules, insurance costs and global energy prices.
Iran Tanker Crosses Amid US Sanctions
Among the vessels that crossed was the Iranian-flagged oil products tanker Niki. The tanker is under US sanctions and reportedly sailed out of the strait without listing a destination.
The movement has drawn attention because ships linked to Iran are facing closer monitoring amid the US blockade. Shipping companies are also weighing the risk of sending commercial vessels through the narrow route without firm security assurances.
Shipping Firms Await Safety Guarantees
Industry officials have said most companies will need a stable ceasefire and clear safety guarantees before they resume normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Until then, shipping is expected to remain limited and cautious.
Restricted routes near the Iranian and Omani coasts cannot handle normal traffic volumes safely. This means a return to regular shipping may depend not only on whether the strait is technically open, but also on whether vessel operators, insurers and governments believe it is safe enough to use.
