The U.S. has reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports, leading to a significant reduction in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. On the first full day of this blockade, only 13 ships navigated the strait, compared to 21 ships on the previous day.
The Strait of Hormuz is an essential corridor for global oil and gas shipments. The blockade’s enforcement is expected to weaken Iran’s control over the passage and potentially decrease its oil revenue. The U.S. Central Command reported intercepting two ships attempting to bypass the blockade on that day.
According to maritime data provided by Kpler, of the 13 ships that transited the strait, five were sanctioned. This information highlights the challenges of tracking maritime movement, as some ships deactivate their tracking devices, obscuring their routes.
The blockade coincides with ongoing hostilities between Iran and the U.S., now in its sixth day. This increased tension adds uncertainty for oil shippers in the region. Before the conflict, the strait saw over 130 vessels daily. The blockade has therefore created additional hurdles for commerce in this strategic waterway.