Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to approximately 70% below pre-conflict levels, according to a report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO). The agency detailed that there were 125 outbound and 129 inbound transits over the past week, a decrease from the previous week’s figures of 129 outbound and 146 inbound transits. This decline reflects ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
In the past week alone, UKMTO reported 12 attacks on vessels, with 10 occurring in the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Gulf, and another in the Gulf of Oman. Of the vessels affected, six were able to continue their journeys or reach port, while one was lost, two were left disabled, and three have unconfirmed statuses. Notably, a container ship was struck by an unidentified projectile near Ras Shaykh Masud on October 13, leading to a fire and its sinking the following day; all crew members were evacuated.
UKMTO has struggled to accurately assess the total number of attacks, as many targeted vessels have opted not to report incidents. Since the conflict escalated in late February, the agency has recorded 84 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. These attacks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US regarding navigation in this crucial waterway, which is vital for global energy and commodity shipments. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran, followed by a ceasefire in April, but clashes resumed as negotiations faltered, despite a framework agreement being signed in June.
