The latest
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab remained unchanged on Tuesday from the previous day, with eight vessels crossing Hormuz and 20 transiting Bab al-Mandab, according to Kpler tracking data and Reuters, even as uncertainty persists over negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran.
Details
• Hormuz traffic: Eight vessels crossed the strait, including five oil tankers, one LNG carrier, and three bulk carriers, matching the previous day’s total.
• Below normal: Before the war, roughly 130 to 140 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz each day, underscoring how shipping activity remains well below normal levels.
• UAE cargoes: Kpler and LSEG data showed ADNOC-controlled LNG carrier Mubarez off India’s west coast after loading at Das Island, marking its third voyage since the conflict began.
• Bab al-Mandab: Twenty vessels crossed the waterway, with 10 entering and 10 leaving, unchanged from the previous day.
• Peace efforts: Qatar said mediators are making progress toward ending the conflict, contributing to lower oil prices, while Tehran denied President Donald Trump’s assertion that direct talks are already underway.
Background
The Strait of Hormuz was closed to commercial shipping following the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war, disrupting one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Oman and Qatar are continuing mediation efforts aimed at securing a lasting agreement to reopen the strait, while markets remain focused on any official announcement regarding future navigation and security arrangements. Shipping analysts also note that some vessels may transit with their tracking systems switched off, meaning published figures may not capture all maritime traffic.
What to watch
Markets will closely monitor any official announcement on progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations, as well as daily shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a key indicator of the stability of global oil and LNG exports.
