Gulf tensions throttle oil lifeline as Hormuz shipping plummets

By Florence Tan

SINGAPORE, Sept 21 (Reuters) – Commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly, with only a dozen vessels transiting over the weekend compared to 35 the previous weekend, according to shipping data released Monday. The sharp decline reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which remain deadlocked despite recent developments in the region.

The waterway, which serves as a critical maritime corridor for approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, now sees drastically reduced visible traffic. However, Middle Eastern oil exports persist as tankers navigate the passage with their automatic identification system transponders switched off, making them harder to track through conventional monitoring channels.

According to provisional data from analytics firm Kpler, four trackable vessels exited the strait on Sunday – comprising two tankers carrying refined petroleum products and two bulk carriers transporting dry cargo and gas. An additional two small oil tankers were recorded entering the Gulf during the same period.

The previous day, Saturday, saw five vessels depart the Gulf region, carrying commodities including agricultural products, liquefied petroleum gas, and fertilizers. During this time, an empty very large gas carrier was also documented entering the area, suggesting continued albeit cautious participation in regional trade routes.

Before the escalation of hostilities between U.S.-backed forces and Iranian positions that began on February 28, the strait regularly accommodated around 125 large commercial vessels daily, encompassing tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships – highlighting the dramatic contraction in normal maritime activity levels.

(Reporting by Florence Tan; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Sonali Paul)

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