Hormuz shipping traffic remains 70% below pre-war levels, UKMTO says

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains 70 percent below pre-conflict levels, with vessels continuing to face attacks, navigation interference and security risks across the Gulf, according to a weekly assessment by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). A total of 277 vessel transits were recorded in the strait during the seven days to October 28, comprising 155 inbound and 122 outbound movements. The combined figure, which includes automatic identification system (AIS) observations and US-reported facilitated transits, was approximately 70 percent below pre-conflict levels. UKMTO said AIS-observed transits increased to 64 from 47 the previous week, while US-reported facilitated movements remained broadly stable. The US Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) estimates that about 80% of transits through the strait involve energy carriers. Most vessels broadcasting AIS continued to use the Iranian route, although UKMTO reported an increase in traffic along the southern route. The maritime monitoring body said it had recorded 88 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on February 28, with the data suggesting at least 35 attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in October, making it the worst month for attacks since the start of the war. March was the second-worst month, with about 30 attacks, according to UKMTO data. There have been at least 35 attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in October. (AFP)