Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz slumped to single-digit daily figures over the weekend, according to preliminary shiptracking data reported by Reuters on Monday.
According to Reuters, four vessels exited the Gulf through the strait over the weekend, including a Handysize vessel sailing in ballast, a Handy vessel carrying LPG, a Supramax carrying fertiliser, and a Suezmax laden with crude or condensate. Ten vessels entered the Gulf, comprising a mini-bulker carrying minor bulk commodities, a Handymax carrying grain, a Panamax carrying metals, and a Supramax carrying dry bulk cargo. This marks a steep decline from the 10-day average of 14 transits, Reuters reported.
Pipeline Attack and Vessel Strike Add to Tensions
The drop in transits coincided with the temporary shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline following a drone attack launched from Iraq, Saudi officials said, as cited by Reuters. The pipeline has historically served as a key bypass route for crude moving to Red Sea export terminals, helping to relieve congestion in the strait.
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported early Sunday that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait. According to Reuters, the crew’s status, the extent of any damage, and possible environmental impact remained unknown at the time of reporting.
Reuters noted that before the war between the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz typically handled around 125 large commercial vessels daily, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers, and container ships. The strait accounts for roughly 20% of the world’s daily crude oil and LNG supply, Reuters reported. A US blockade targeting Iran-related shipping has also halted Iranian crude oil exports since being reimposed on July 14.
By contrast, the nearby Bab el-Mandeb strait saw more stable traffic, with 24 and 27 commodity vessels transiting on Saturday and Sunday respectively, close to its 10-day average of around 27, the tracking data showed.
Does This Matter to You?
Fewer transits through the Strait of Hormuz translate into fewer near-term bunkering opportunities in the immediate region, according to Reuters. However, the wider marine fuel supply picture at nearby hubs has reportedly eased since the early months of the conflict, with Fujairah bunkering activity back to around 40% of pre-war levels and Singapore remaining steady throughout, Reuters noted.
Those monitoring vessel routing, regional bunkering availability, or broader supply chain risk in the Gulf may find continued disruption to Hormuz transits relevant to planning and scheduling decisions, particularly given the strait’s outsized role in global crude and LNG flows.
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: Reuters (via Ship & Bunker)
