Vessel traffic in Hormuz slumps as security risks intensify

Commodity vessel transits through the strategic Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply to just three ships on September 16, 2026, down from 12 vessels the previous day, according to preliminary ship-tracking data. The recorded traffic fell well below the recent 10-day average of approximately 17 vessels per day, reflecting growing caution among commercial shipping operators amid escalating military conflict across the Persian Gulf region. The data excludes any vessels that may have navigated the waterway with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders turned off to avoid detection. According to vessel-tracking intelligence, the three recorded transits included an empty Supramax dry bulk carrier entering via the Iranian route, an empty petroleum product tanker entering via an undeclared route, and a Panamax tanker exiting the waterway. The severe drop in visible maritime movement highlights intensifying risks to global crude oil supply chains and commercial shipping lanes through the chokepoint, said a report.

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