As tensions between the U.S.and Iran remain unsettled more than five months since the start of the war, the number of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz appears to be far below pre-conflict levels."Despite a brief recovery in late June, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced, AIS [Automatic Identification System] transit information suggests operators increasingly favouring the Northern route following projectile attacks, ongoing security concerns, and heightened enforcement activity," a United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) voluntary reporting area overview noted."Traffic remains well below normal levels, with AIS-detected transits approximately 90% below pre-conflict baselines and declining since the 24-26 Jun peak," the report said.The trade intelligence company Kpler reported in part of a Friday post on X that "Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz picked up on 13 August, with 13 confirmed crossings, a 44% day on day increase from nine.
Of these, nine vessels used the Iranian Unilateral Scheme, none were confirmed on the Hormuz TSS and four routes remained undetermined."International Chamber of Shipping Marine Director John Stawpert told Fox News Digital on Friday that while "traffic is significantly lower," compared to before the war started, "it's not completely stopped.""Essentially, what we see is a cyclical process," Stawpert said, explaining that when a ceasefire is announced there is an "uptick" in vessels entering and exiting the Persian Gulf, but "as those ceasefires break down ...you'll see that drop off again."He also noted there is still a mine threat in the waters, which has an impact on how much traffic can enter and exit the Persian Gulf.TANKERS ATTACKED AS TEHRAN, TRUMP BATTLE OVER CONTROL OF STRAIT OF HORMUZFILE - President Donald Trump has claimed that the U.S.
has full control over the waterway.(Eric Lee/Getty Images)Stawpert indicated that to resolve the issue, there would need to be...