Media365
Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz surged to its highest level in two weeks on July 29 as liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker movements resumed after a hiatus of more than two weeks, according to an S&P Global report.
The report said a total of 28 vessels transited the strategically important waterway on July 29, the highest daily count since July 14, when 35 vessels crossed the strait following the reimposition of the US naval blockade on Iran-linked shipping.
“Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz surged to 28 on July 29, amid a slew of dark transits and the first known LNG tanker crossings in more than two weeks,” S&P Global said.
Iran-linked vessels accounted for around 60 per cent of total traffic on July 29, down from the average of 68 per cent recorded during the second half of July.
The day’s vessel movements included seven landing craft, five bulk carriers, six product tankers, two LNG tankers, two LPG tankers and several other commercial ships navigating the key global energy corridor.
The report also noted an increase in so-called “dark transits”, with some vessels switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) while sailing through sensitive waters. The practice appeared to be rising particularly among Saudi-owned vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.
Separately, S&P Global said four very large crude carriers (VLCCs) recently sailed to Egypt’s Sidi Kerir terminal through the Suez Canal after loading crude at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port. At least six additional VLCCs were also believed to be heading towards Sidi Kerir from the Middle East Gulf and Asia.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global crude oil and LNG exports. Any disruption to shipping through the passage is closely watched by global energy markets.
