Hormuz traffic dips to lowest since May after US, Iranian strikes on ships

The Strait of Hormuz saw a dramatic dip in traffic, with only two vessels passing through on Saturday and six on Sunday. This is the lowest level since May, according to shipping data from Kpler analytics firm. The 10-day average was 10 vessels per day, down from over 15 on Friday and nearly 13 on Saturday.

The decline in traffic comes after US and Iranian strikes on tankers in the region. US forces attacked three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, including one near Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export hub. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted three Iranian tankers and three US vessels in the strait, as well as three additional US vessels in other areas.

These attacks mark a significant escalation in the maritime conflict, according to Marisks, a maritime intelligence firm. The strikes have led to an extreme risk assessment for Iranian/Iran-linked ships and a materially elevated risk for US-linked or U.S.-escorted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Since July 6, there have been 27 incidents of projectiles being fired, causing damage to vessels in and around the strait. On Sunday, one very large crude carrier and three bulk carriers, carrying metals, grains, or oilseeds, entered the strait. However, a tanker carrying refined products from a Saudi port was turned back as it attempted to exit. No very large crude carriers have exited the strait since Wednesday, as per Kpler data.