With the conflict in Iran now in its ninth week and no definitive resolution in view, shipping activity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has completely transformed, significantly disrupting international markets and supply chains for oil, natural gas, fertilizers, and other vital goods.
Prior to the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February, approximately 3,000 vessels generally navigated through the Strait of Hormuz each month, as reported by Lloyd’s List Intelligence. However, since the onset of the war, traffic has diminished significantly, with only 154 vessels logged crossing during the entire month of March, based on Kpler data.
“The disruption is both swift and unmatched,” remarked Dimitris Ampatzidis, a maritime risk and compliance manager at Kpler.
Recent shipping information indicates that the majority of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz have followed a route specified by Iranian officials, with roughly half of them loading their goods at Iranian ports in opposition to the US blockade.
Iran’s ports are generally not among the busiest in the Persian Gulf, while the ports of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates generally experience significantly higher traffic. However, those nations and other Gulf allies have had to reduce output due to the shipping issues and Iranian threats. Countries that import, especially in Asia, are also experiencing difficulties due to fuel shortages.
Explore the Xenix News detailed visual analysis of the Strait of Hormuz here.
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