Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has almost ground to a halt, according to ShippingWatch, which cites new figures from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) body showing a sharp drop in vessel transits alongside a rise in incidents and near-misses at sea.
According to ShippingWatch, UKMTO has recorded three vessels as total losses since the conflict began, along with 54 reports of vessel damage and 13 near-miss incidents. The report also states that 23 seafarers have been injured or killed as a result of the ongoing situation in the strait.
The figures point to a maritime security environment that has deteriorated significantly, with the strait — one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil and gas shipments — now seeing a marked reduction in vessel movements, ShippingWatch reports.
Does this matter to you?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for tanker traffic and energy cargoes moving between the Persian Gulf and global markets. A near-standstill in transits, as described by ShippingWatch, has direct implications for vessel scheduling, freight availability, and risk exposure for ships operating in or near the area.
Rising incident numbers, including vessel losses, damage reports, and near-misses, signal an elevated threat level that may influence insurance considerations, routing decisions, and crew safety planning for operators with exposure to the region. Bunkering and trading activity tied to Gulf-origin cargoes could also see knock-on effects if transit volumes remain suppressed.
The source material does not provide further detail on the specific causes behind individual incidents or projections for how long the disruption may persist.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
