Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic nears halt after US-Iran strikes

Marine tracking data showed only two tankers completed passage through the Strait of Hormuz in the 24 hours through 0625GMT Tuesday. The vessels were named as the oil and chemical tankers Seafaith and Niki, while LPG carriers Monarch and Danuta I approached the waterway but had not yet crossed, reflecting growing caution among shipowners and operators. The actual number of crossings may be higher, as vessels can switch off their Automatic Identification System transponders to conceal their positions.

Retaliatory strikes target vessels

Washington carried out strikes on Iranian coastal and military targets in the latest exchange of hostilities, according to reports. Tehran retaliated by attacking two UAE-linked oil tankers, killing one crew member and injuring others.

Maritime body warns of toll

The International Maritime Organization Council condemned attacks on civilian commercial vessels in and around the strait and called for immediate de-escalation. The body stressed that transit through the waterway should remain unimpeded and free of tolls or charges, noting that it had recorded 53 confirmed maritime incidents and 14 seafarer deaths in the region as of Monday.

Global energy chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world's most important energy corridors. Around 20 million barrels of oil per day passed through the waterway in 2024, equivalent to roughly 20 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption.