Hormuz ship traffic remains severely restricted with just 11 vessels

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained sharply curtailed on Thursday morning, with ship tracking data showing only 11 vessels moving in either direction over the past 24 hours amid the ongoing closure and US blockade.

Limited two-way traffic

As of 0900GMT, east-to-west traffic included eight vessels: Black Maya, Selin, Rosalina, Sea Mikaeel, A Star, Momtaz 2, Amina, and Abtin 1. West-to-east traffic included three vessels: Seaway, Ilda, and Al Batha. The ships carried a range of cargo including bitumen, clean petroleum products, dry bulk, containers, and general cargo. At least two vessels — Amina and Abtin 1 — are listed on the US Treasury’s OFAC sanctions database as Iran-flagged ships linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, making them subject to secondary sanctions.

US blockade intensifies disruption

The US Central Command reported on Wednesday that the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports has been redirected, adding that 41 oil tankers carrying a combined 69 million barrels remain unable to access Iranian ports due to the ongoing blockade. Meanwhile, numerous other ships near Gulf ports and approaches to the strait were shown as anchored, moored, or with undefined navigational status, highlighting the continued disruption to one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.

Energy prices at risk

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas shipments from the Gulf to global markets. Any prolonged disruption risks adding upward pressure to energy prices, freight costs, and insurance premiums.