Hormuz traffic collapse: 181 ships recorded in March, majority Iranian-linked
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed, with Iranian-linked vessels making up nearly 70 per cent of the limited number of ships still transiting the route
31 March, 2026
TT
16
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill, with 181 vessels recorded passing through the waterway between March 1 and March 30, 2026.
This is according to data provided to Gulf Business by Lloyd’s List, one of the world’s oldest maritime intelligence publications, founded in 1734.
This latest data indicates that, on average, fewer than 10 ships per day were recorded as passing through the strait — a dramatic drop from around 138 daily transits recorded on February 28, as per information from the Joint Maritime Information Centre.
Prior to the escalation, roughly 3,000 vessels would typically pass through the strait each month, according to the BBC.
Lloyd’s List data further shows that of the 181 vessels that transited the strait in March, 125 — nearly 70 per cent — had Iranian links, while just 56 did not. Of these, 130 vessels were eastbound and 51 westbound, reflecting a heavily restricted and uneven flow.
The figures relate to cargo-carrying vessels above 10,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage) and may be revised upwards if further “dark” or untracked transits emerge, Lloyd’s List experts told Gulf Business.
The sharp decline follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered a deterioration in maritime security conditions.
In early March, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings to vessels transiting the strait, particularly those linked to the US and its allies. While the strait was not physically sealed, shipping activity collapsed within days as operators withdrew due to heightened risk, creating a de facto shutdown.
Since then, traffic has remained severely constrained, with only a limited number of vessels, often linked to Iran or select trading partners, continuing to transit.
Global ripple effects and dual chokepoint risk
In a LinkedIn note on Monday, leading maritime expert Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, said the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate further.
“The trickle of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz since yesterday (Sunday 29 March, 2026) reduced further,” he said.
Jensen noted that, aside from some Iranian-flagged vessels, only the sanctioned tanker Tawanna transited the strait, while a bulk carrier identified as Mac Hope appeared to be preparing to enter, with maritime AIS (Automatic Identification System) data indicating Chinese ownership and crew.
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel and concerns mounting over fuel supply and pricing in parts of Asia and Africa.
The strait remains a critical artery for the global economy, handling around 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
In 2025, approximately 20 million barrels per day passed through the corridor, according to the US Energy Information Administration, linking Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE with global markets.
Speaking in Washington over the weekend, ADNOC managing director and group CEO Sultan Al Jaber warned of the wider implications of the disruption.
“Weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation, every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food,” he said.
Read more: ‘UAE is no easy prey’: Sultan Al Jaber’s powerful Washington speech
The situation also risks compounding existing pressures on global shipping routes, particularly as disruptions in the Red Sea continue.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has signalled it could escalate its involvement in the conflict, including recent attacks on Israel, raising concerns over renewed instability along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a key gateway between the Red Sea and global trade routes.
The Houthis have previously carried out sustained attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, forcing vessels to reroute and triggering US-led military responses.
Jensen warned that the industry must prepare for a prolonged period of instability across key maritime chokepoints.
“It is time for supply chain stakeholders to prepare for a situation where both Hormuz and the Red Sea continue to be chokepoints for a considerable amount of time,” he said.
As he noted, March 30 marked “day 31 of the Hormuz crisis” alongside “day 862 of the Red Sea crisis”.
