A 95 Percent Drop in Maritime Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz Changed Global Shipping

In the sixth month of the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused one of the largest maritime shipping disruptions seen in decades, deeply shaking global energy and goods shipments.

Decline in Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz

Daily ship traffic through this critical 33-kilometer-wide chokepoint has plummeted from over a hundred to just five.

Following the attacks in February and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' announcement that it was closing the strait, daily traffic experienced a sharp decline.

Global Trade and Energy Flow

While approximately 80 percent of world trade by volume is transported by sea, the Strait of Hormuz is of vital importance for global energy shipments.

The strait accounts for more than a third of globally traded seaborne crude oil and roughly a third of liquefied petroleum gas flows.

Interim Agreements and Naval Escorts

Although a temporary agreement in June increased the average to 20 ships, traffic fell back to five ships per day when the blockade resumed in mid-July.

The remaining maritime traffic largely consists of tankers moving with naval escorts or having their tracking systems turned off.

Global Markets and Affected Countries

This disruption has reshaped global shipping routes while causing oil prices to rise by approximately 20 percent.

The situation directly impacts countries heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, such as Eritrea, Madagascar, Pakistan, Japan, and Kenya.