Strait of Hormuz traffic plunges as Iran, US blockades restrict energy shipments

Commodity vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased due to Iranian and US blockades, according to shipping data from Kpler and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Fewer than 20 vessels transited the strait over the weekend, with only four on Sunday and 13 on Saturday, a sharp decline from Friday's 16 transits. The UKMTO reported that overall traffic volumes for the week ending August 21 remained suppressed, with "Traffic remains well below normal levels, with AIS-detected transits approximately 90% below pre-conflict baselines." This reduction is attributed to vessels aborting transit plans or rerouting following 23 reported incidents of projectile strikes since July 6. Tanker traffic, primarily crude oil, oil products, and chemicals, continues to dominate the movement through the strait.