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| A cargo ship across strait of Hormuz/photo/kitty/Getty images. |
Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to its lowest level in five weeks on Sunday as escalating military confrontation between the United States and Iran heightened security concerns across one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.Ship-tracking data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed that only six vessels transited the narrow waterway on Sunday, underscoring growing caution among shipping operators as military tensions and attacks on commercial vessels continue to disrupt navigation through the Gulf.
The decline in traffic follows another round of military escalation between Washington and Tehran, with renewed U.S. airstrikes inside Iran and fresh reports of Iranian naval activity in the strait raising fears that commercial shipping could once again become caught in the conflict.
According to Kpler data, the vessels departing the Gulf included the Very Large Crude Carrier Humanity, carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, and the tanker Capetan Andreas, transporting roughly 500,000 barrels of refined petroleum products from Kuwait.
Three empty crude tankers entered the Persian Gulf to load cargoes despite the heightened security environment, indicating that some energy exports continue despite increasing operational risks.
Most vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders while crossing the waterway, a practice increasingly adopted by commercial operators seeking to reduce the risk of detection during periods of heightened military tension.
The temporary disappearance of vessels from publicly available tracking systems has become more common during recent weeks as shipowners attempt to minimize potential exposure while navigating one of the world’s most volatile shipping lanes.
Notably absent from weekend shipping activity were liquefied natural gas carriers. Ship-tracking data showed no LNG tankers visibly entering the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, highlighting growing caution among operators transporting one of the world’s most valuable energy commodities.
The absence of LNG carriers could have broader implications for global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as the primary export route for liquefied natural gas produced by several Gulf countries.
Kpler data also indicated that only one tanker operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company exited the strait between July 10 and July 12. The vessel is currently bound for Dahej Port on India’s western coast, reflecting the continued movement of Gulf energy supplies toward major Asian importers despite mounting regional instability.
The latest disruption comes as U.S. Central Command announced another wave of military strikes against Iran on Sunday. According to the military, American forces struck dozens of targets across multiple locations using precision-guided munitions in what officials described as a continuation of operations against Iranian military assets.
The renewed strikes followed days of escalating exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces that have threatened to undermine efforts aimed at reducing hostilities in the region.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, President Donald Trump said Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial navigation.
His statement contrasted with earlier declarations from Iran, which announced that it had closed the strategic waterway after a commercial vessel allegedly traveled along an unauthorized route before being struck.
The conflicting claims have added to uncertainty facing international shipping companies, many of which must decide whether to continue operating through the strait despite rapidly changing security conditions.
On Monday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced another maritime operation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying its naval forces had intercepted two ships during the previous night by disabling their onboard systems.
Iranian authorities did not identify the vessels involved or provide additional details regarding the incident, leaving unclear whether the ships were commercial tankers or other types of maritime traffic.
The latest announcement reinforces concerns that Iran continues to exercise significant operational control over navigation through parts of the waterway, even as Washington insists international shipping remains free to transit the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital maritime trade corridors, linking Gulf energy producers with international markets.
A substantial share of global crude oil exports and liquefied natural gas shipments normally passes through the narrow passage each day, making any disruption closely watched by governments, energy companies, and financial markets.
Shipping companies have increasingly adopted enhanced security measures in recent weeks, including altered sailing routes, communications restrictions, and closer coordination with military authorities operating in the region.
Some operators have also reduced the number of voyages through the Gulf while monitoring developments, contributing to the sharp decline in vessel movements recorded over the weekend.
Although commercial traffic has not completely halted, Sunday’s figures suggest that many shipping companies are reassessing operational risks as military exchanges continue and uncertainty over the safety of maritime navigation intensifies.With U.S. and Iranian forces continuing military operations and conflicting statements surrounding the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts warn that shipping activity could remain well below normal levels until security conditions stabilize and commercial operators regain confidence in the safety of one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.