Hormuz Strait alert as vessel traffic falls below 10-day average

The conflict between Iran and the US, which began on February 28, has increasingly affected maritime activity in and around the Hormuz Strait. Restrictions on vessel movements have contributed to a marked slowdown along the strategically important route.

Only seven vessels recorded

According to Kpler’s latest tracking data, seven commercial ships passed through the strait on Thursday. The figure represents less than half of the 15-vessel daily average recorded during the previous 10 days, underscoring the scale of the recent decline in maritime traffic.

Four of the vessels were tracked as exiting the Hormuz Strait, while three were recorded entering it. The reduced flow comes as uncertainty surrounding commercial navigation continues to affect the movement of tankers.

Key route for global energy supplies

The Hormuz Strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a major corridor for international energy shipments. Prolonged restrictions or disruption in the waterway could therefore have repercussions for oil markets, shipping costs and energy-importing economies.

Türkiye is also closely exposed to developments affecting regional energy routes because of its geographic and economic links with the wider Middle East. Continued weakness in Hormuz traffic will therefore remain an important indicator for markets and policymakers monitoring regional risks.