Hormuz ship crossings jump 44%: marine traffic tracker

Marine traffic data reveals a notable 44% increase in ship crossings through the Strait of Hormuz on August 13, 2026, compared to the previous day, according to tracking firm MarineTraffic. A total of 13 confirmed vessel crossings were recorded, signaling a significant uptick in activity. Seven vessels entered the Arabian Gulf, while six exited.

Nine ships utilized the Iranian Unilateral Scheme, while none were confirmed through the standard Hormuz Traffic Separation Scheme. Four routes remained undetermined. Among the 13 confirmed crossings, two vessels were sanctioned, three were classified as "shadow" vessels, and eight others were included. At Bab Al-Mandab Strait, 29 confirmed crossings were logged, a 4% increase from the previous day.

Eighteen vessels entered the Red Sea, with eleven exiting, including two dark (AIS-off) transits. No new confirmed vessel attacks were reported on this day. The recent surge in Hormuz traffic follows a sharp decline since the US-Israeli campaign against Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. Prior to the conflict, daily crossings through Hormuz typically ranged between 100 to 140 vessels, which accounted for about a fifth of the world's oil shipments.

Currently, daily totals have dwindled to single digits or low teens, as reported by various tracking firms including Kpler and MarineTraffic. Reuters noted that Hormuz traffic had been capped below the August average of around 12 commodity vessels due to volatile sentiment and competing US and Iranian claims of control. Kpler data indicated nine transits on Thursday, primarily via the Iranian route.

The UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company reported that two of its vessels were attacked while transiting on the evening of August 13, with the UAE attributing the incident to Iran. Iran has asserted control over the strait and rejected claims that it is fully open, while the United States has maintained pressure, including a naval blockade.

MarineTraffic data also highlights an uptick in crossings through Bab Al-Mandab, though this has been constrained by Houthi-related risks in the Red Sea. The overall traffic remains suppressed, with some vessels circumventing AIS transponders, leading to potential underestimation of total movements.