WATCH: How Traffic Dried Up in the Strait of Hormuz Since the Iran War Began

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil, has seen commercial shipping plummet over 90% since the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict erupted. Watch the embedded video below showing stranded ships and empty waters—traffic has ground to single-digit transits daily amid missile strikes and drone threats[1][2].

From Busy Artery to Ghost Waters

Just weeks ago, the Strait of Hormuz buzzed with activity. On average, 107 cargo-carrying vessels over 10,000 dwt transited daily, totaling about 10.3 million dwt in tonnage—handling roughly 20% of the world’s oil and major LNG exports from Qatar and other Gulf producers[1][2]. Pre-war data from February 2026 showed peaks like 135 vessels on typical days and 91 on February 28[3].

The war changed everything. Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian forces began hailing vessels, declaring the strait closed despite official denials from Iran’s foreign minister[2]. By March 1, traceable major crude tanker passings halted since the prior Saturday night[2]. Overall traffic dropped 38% to 72 vessels on Saturday, March 1, with most eastbound[2]. By Sunday, only 19 transits occurred by evening, 90% eastbound, and just eight smaller vessels (including shadow fleet tankers) passed by 1800 UTC[2].

Latest figures paint an even starker picture. MarineTraffic data reveals tanker traffic down over 90%, with transits reduced to single-digit levels—only one confirmed commercial transit in the past 24 hours as of March 4[1]. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) rates the threat “CRITICAL,” signaling attacks on merchant shipping are almost certain[1].

Attacks Force Ships to Flee

Security threats aren’t abstract. A containership, Safeen Prestige, was struck by a projectile on March 3, damaging the vessel and forcing crew abandonment[1]. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported at least three commercial hits on March 1[2]. Iranian missile and drone strikes target vessels and infrastructure, raising collateral damage risks[1].

Vessel tracking shows chaos. AIS data indicates a ~70% traffic drop by February 28 end, shifting risks from geopolitical to legal amid attacks[4]. GNSS interference and AIS blackouts complicate tracking, but some tankers still creep through under silence[1]. Video footage reveals “denuded” waters—no usual flow of green freighter and red tanker dots[5]. Inside the Persian Gulf, 750 commercial ships are stranded, including 170 container ships with 450,000 TEUs; ports report shutdowns[5].

Inbound traffic persists minimally: 27 westbound ships on Saturday, led by Greek and Indian owners, mostly tankers and bulkers[2]. But eastbound dominates as operators flee.

Economic Ripples: Skyrocketing Rates and Insurance

The slowdown spikes costs. Persian Gulf-to-China VLCC rates leaped 35% from last assessments[3]. War-risk premiums surge as insurers cancel policies[2][4]. Intertanko advises delaying transits until clearer[3]; the International Chamber of Shipping urges risk assessments and vigilance[3].

Asian markets, especially India, face acute vulnerability with heavier Gulf crude reliance[3]. No formal closure exists—”no legal closure declared,” per JMIC—but the de facto halt disrupts global energy[1][2]. No naval escort program is announced, leaving ships to enhanced UKMTO reporting and best practices[1].

What Happens Next?

JMIC warns of further deterioration if missiles hit ports or energy terminals[1]. Shipowners reassess voyages, prioritizing safety over speed. While technically open, the strait’s near standstill underscores its fragility—a 21-mile-wide passage controlling global trade flows[1].

This isn’t just regional; it’s a global wake-up. Energy prices hover on edge, supply chains snag, and stranded cargoes pile up. As threats persist, watch for naval interventions or Iranian escalations. For now, the strait’s waters echo with silence.

(Word count: 812. Sources: gCaptain, Lloyd’s List, S&P Global, MarineTraffic, YouTube analysis. All data as of early March 2026.)

Original source: NPR News – WATCH: How traffic dried up in the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran war began