Strait of Hormuz traffic collapses by over 90% as security crisis intensifies Select 88 more words to run Humanize

Before the current escalation, approximately 130 vessels per day transited the strait. Today, that number has fallen to fewer than ten, effectively rendering one of the world’s most critical energy corridors partially inoperative.

Surge in maritime incidents

Between 1 March and 27 April, UKMTO recorded 41 significant security incidents in the region, including:

• 26 attacks resulting in damage or casualties to vessels or crew,
• multiple harassment events affecting merchant shipping,
• several near-miss encounters involving missiles, drones, and small arms fire.

The escalation has forced many operators to suspend transits or delay voyages, while others remain anchored inside the Gulf awaiting safer conditions.

Hundreds of vessels effectively stranded

Current estimates indicate that between 850 and 870 large commercial vessels—including tankers, LNG carriers, and container ships—are now operating within Gulf waters with limited ability to exit. Around 20,000 seafarers are believed to be onboard these ships, facing prolonged deployment periods without crew rotation.

The situation is raising growing concern over both operational safety and crew welfare.

"A terrifying experience for civilian crews"

Jo Black described the nature of recent incidents in stark terms:

- The most distressing calls are those from ships under attack. It’s an absolutely terrifying experience for them – they’re civilians, they’re not prepared for this – drones, missiles, small arms fire aimed at their bridge or engine room, and threats to their safety – so they’re stressed, many speak only very rudimentary English and they’re trying to describe things often beyond their comprehension.

She added that UKMTO personnel are focused on stabilising communications with vessels under attack and ensuring rapid dissemination of verified information to the wider maritime community.

Strategic implications for global trade

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy flows, handling a significant share of global crude oil and LNG exports. Any sustained disruption is expected to have immediate knock-on effects on:

• global energy pricing,
• freight and insurance premiums,
• supply chain reliability across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Industry participants are already reporting increased war-risk insurance costs and a growing reluctance among some operators to transit the region.

Secondary risks emerging

Security analysts also warn of potential spillover effects, including a resurgence of piracy activity in other maritime corridors, particularly off the Horn of Africa, where naval attention may be partially diverted.

The evolving situation suggests a broader destabilisation of maritime security architecture across the wider Middle East and Western Indian Ocean region, with no clear timeline yet for a return to normal traffic conditions.