Hormuz Strait Vessel Traffic Drops to 22 From 30 Amid Fresh U.S.-Iran Clashes This Week

According to Kpler data, passage through the Hormuz Strait fell to 22 vessels on Thursday from 30 the previous day, following renewed U.S.-Iran clashes that erupted Tuesday when Iran targeted ships including a Qatar LNG carrier. Since the Tuesday escalation, only two LNG vessels have entered the strait and one has exited, compared to increased traffic after a June 17 truce agreement.

Ship brokers Braemar LNG reported Friday that vessel owners have taken a cautious stance, withdrawing available capacity from the region "until geopolitical clarity improves." The reduced availability of vessels has pushed up transportation costs.