Hormuz traffic steady despite fragmented routes, security risks

Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained steady on June 30 despite fragmented routing patterns and persistent maritime security concerns across the wider Middle East, according to MarineTraffic data released Wednesday. The strategic energy chokepoint recorded 34 verified vessel crossings, evenly divided between inbound and outbound traffic at 17 transits each. The crossings included a broad mix of commercial, energy‑related and support vessels, indicating that shipping activity has continued.

Fragmented routing and security risks

However, MarineTraffic said route visibility remained fragmented, with vessels using Iranian, Omani, IMO‑designated, as well as dark or unidentified routes. The pattern suggests that while vessel movements have continued, shipping has yet to return to normal routing as operators continue adjusting to the security environment. The IMO’s incident tracker lists 49 confirmed incidents in the strait and wider Middle East as of June 30, including a newly confirmed physical attack on the Bochem Marengo, and 14 confirmed seafarer fatalities linked to incidents across the region.

Global energy significance

The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for global energy trade. According to the EIA, oil flows through the strait averaged 20 million barrels per day in 2024, equivalent to about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, with roughly one‑fifth of global LNG trade also transiting the waterway.