Strait of Hormuz Shipping Disrupted Amidst US-Israel Conflict with Iran
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies, has significantly decreased following the escalation of conflict between the US and Israel with Iran. While not entirely halted, the passage of vessels has been severely disrupted, raising concerns about potential impacts on energy markets and international trade.
Disruption of Oil and Gas Transit
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes, has seen a dramatic reduction in vessel traffic since the start of the US-military offensive on February 28, 2026. Previously, between fifty and eighty ships carrying oil or liquefied gas transited the strait daily; this flow has largely come to a standstill. Timelapse footage illustrates the decline in shipping activity.
Iran’s Restrictions and Attacks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to US, Israeli, and Western allied vessels, while allowing some traffic linked to Iran. However, the situation remains volatile, with reports of attacks on ships in the region. On March 12, 2026, a Thai ship traveling from Dubai to India was reportedly struck by an Iranian attack while in the strait.
The “Shadow Fleet” and Flag of Convenience
Despite the overall decrease in traffic, at least 24 ships have traversed the Strait of Hormuz in the past seven days. A significant portion of these vessels – ten in total – are either sanctioned or part of the “shadow fleet” used by Iran to ship oil. Notably, some of these ships have been flying the flag of Curaçao.
The leverage of the Curaçao flag by oil tankers has raised concerns, as investigative journalism revealed that tankers in the shadow fleet often fraudulently register under the Curaçao flag, despite not being registered in the Curaçao shipping register. In October 2024, the oil tanker Lan Jing, previously known as the Wen Yao, was added to the American sanctions list for allegedly transporting Iranian oil.
Real-Time Monitoring
Vessel movements in the Strait of Hormuz are being closely monitored. MarineTraffic provides real-time updates on ship arrivals, departures, and port details. The Hormuz Strait Monitor also offers tracking information and analysis of the situation. Satellite imagery also reveals ship traffic in the waterway.
Impact and Outlook
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has the potential to significantly impact global energy prices and supply chains. The ongoing conflict and Iran’s restrictions on shipping necessitate continued monitoring of the situation and potential adjustments to trade routes and energy policies. The situation remains fluid and is subject to change based on the evolving geopolitical landscape.