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Hormuz Traffic at Reduced Levels Amid Regional Tensions

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Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained on Thursday as heightened tensions and recent tanker attacks continued to weigh on vessel movements through the key energy chokepoint.

The latest data from Windward showed 15 vessels crossed the strait on Thursday, comprising eight inbound and seven outbound transits, underscoring the limited movement through the strategic waterway.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations received a report involving an unknown projectile at an unspecified location in the Hormuz. No damage or pollution was reported.

The UKMTO said that activity by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including attempted attacks and harassment, continues. The agency said that such activity has maintained pressure on commercial shipping and contributed to lower traffic through the strait.

Meanwhile, data from the US Naval Forces Central Command indicated average traffic of about 30 vessel transits per day over the previous 96 hours.

The UKMTO said that differing estimates reflect the challenges of tracking vessels in a high-risk environment where some ships may reduce or switch off their tracking signals.

The US military has also continued efforts to control maritime traffic around Iran. The US Central Command said the US Army had redirected 104 commercial vessels to ensure compliance with Washington's blockade, as of Sept. 17.

UKMTO reported no confirmed attacks or disruptions in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

Houthi forces remain in control of Yemen's coastline and islands commanding the eastern approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb, including the areas around Mocha, Dhubab, Mayun, Zuqar and Hanish, following seizures between Sept. 10 and 12.

Commercial traffic through the waterway has remained below normal levels following a Houthi embargo declaration on July 20 and the group's territorial gains.

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