On Monday, only two commodity vessels navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a significant drop from ten the previous day, according to preliminary shipping data. This decline underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes. Before the Iran conflict, around 125 vessels passed through the strait daily, crucial for global oil and gas supplies.
On Wednesday, only three commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz, a sharp decline from 12 the previous day and well below the 10-day average of 17. This may not reflect actual traffic levels, as vessels with disabled tracking systems could be unaccounted for, suggesting significant changes in shipping patterns.
The Panama Canal is set to further reduce maritime traffic due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has caused significant drought and operational challenges. As a result, daily transits will decrease from 36 to an average of 29.5 in October, impacting approximately 5% of global trade reliant on the canal.
Tehran plans to establish a ‘no-go’ zone for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as announced by Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. This move, amid rising tensions with the U.S., could significantly impact global oil transportation and international trade, raising concerns over energy security.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz significantly declined over the weekend, with vessel crossings dropping from 15 on Friday to just six by Sunday. In contrast, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait saw a surge, recording 116 crossings. Concerns about safety arose due to 12 dark transits reported during this period.
The Al Areesh, a QatarEnergy-controlled LNG tanker, recently exited the Strait of Hormuz, marking its first departure since July 11 amid regional tensions. Loaded at Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal, it sailed on July 29, bound for Port Qasim, Pakistan, with an estimated arrival on July 31.
On Saturday, Qatar’s Ministry of Transport announced a temporary halt to maritime traffic as a safety precaution due to regional developments. This measure aims to protect maritime operations, urging vessel owners and companies to comply. The ministry is coordinating with authorities to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
Eighty-five percent of goods in Britain are transported by sea, with over 100,000 vessel calls at UK ports annually. The Suez Canal, crucial for maritime trade, saw a 50% traffic decline in 2024 due to geopolitical tensions, prompting rerouting around Africa. Meanwhile, renewable energy has surged, powering six million homes.
Maritime traffic in Turkey’s Canakkale Strait was halted due to heavy fog, reducing visibility. Vessel Traffic Services suspended transit shipping in both directions. Ferry routes were temporarily suspended for a marathon event. Services were adjusted to minimize disruptions. Operations were set to resume once weather conditions improved, prioritizing safety in maritime transportation.
Maritime traffic in the Bosphorus Strait was halted due to heavy fog, affecting vessel movement between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The closure, announced by the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, aims to ensure the safety of ships navigating through the busy waterway. Updates on the situation are expected as visibility improves.
