The number of tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz fell to a five-week low, according to vessel tracking data, while many ships turned off their transponders during passage, drawing attention.
Security concerns affect maritime traffic
Renewed military tensions between the US and Iran and attacks on commercial vessels in the Middle East have reduced ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy transport. As security risks mounted, the number of tankers transiting the strait fell to its lowest level in recent weeks.
Ship transits hit five-week low
According to data from vessel tracking firm Kpler, only six ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. That figure stands as the lowest daily transit count recorded in the past five weeks. The data indicates that security concerns in the region are increasingly affecting maritime transport.
Oil tankers continue voyages
Among the vessels transiting the strait were the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Humanity, carrying about 2 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, and the Capetan Andreas, loaded with around 500,000 barrels of Kuwaiti petroleum products. Meanwhile, three empty oil tankers entered the strait heading toward the Persian Gulf to pick up new cargoes.
Transponders switched off draw attention
According to Kpler data, a significant portion of tankers transiting the strait turned off their transponder systems, which share location information, during the voyage. Experts say this practice has become more common in the region recently due to heightened security risks.
No LNG tanker movement observed
Weekend vessel tracking records showed no liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers entering the Strait of Hormuz. In contrast, an oil tanker belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was recorded departing the strait between July 10 and 12 and continuing its voyage toward India's Dahej Port.
