Strait of Hormuz "Bottleneck": Only 77 Ships Passed Through Since March

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The Fourth Oil Crisis Is Approaching: The Strait of Hormuz Blocked, 20 Million Barrels/Day Supply Disrupted, Far Worse Than 1973

Source: Xinhua Daily

The conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has led to a “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transportation route. Shipping data shows that since March 1, only 77 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. In comparison, from March 1 to 11 last year, 1,229 ships passed through.

The Strait of Hormuz area was attacked and set on fire. Photo: Xinhua News Agency (Thai Navy provided)

According to AFP, citing Lloyd’s Ship Data and Information, most of the 77 ships currently passing through are old, in poor condition, lack proper insurance, and have unclear ownership. This organization, which provides maritime data and analysis, states that most of these ships belong to what is called “shadow fleets,” including oil tankers and natural gas carriers avoiding Western sanctions.

Since the large-scale military operations launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28, shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have surged, with many ships halting or rerouting to avoid danger.

Data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations shows that since early March, 20 commercial ships, including 9 oil tankers, have been attacked or reported incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.

Additionally, AFP reports that since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, approximately 40 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This does not include ships that have turned off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Movahedi Khamenei, stated on the 12th that Iran will not abandon revenge and will continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhte-Ravanchi said the same day that Iran allows some ships from certain countries to pass through the Strait.

U.S. President Donald Trump told the media on the 13th that the U.S. Navy will soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, “very soon, very quickly.” He did not specify an exact time. Several shipping industry sources told Reuters on the 10th that since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, almost daily requests for U.S. military escort have been made by ships near the Strait of Hormuz, but all have been refused due to high risk.