Vessel movements stay unchanged as mediators pursue diplomatic efforts to ease Gulf crisis
DUBAI: Shipping traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab remained largely unchanged on Tuesday, according to ship-tracking data, as regional tensions continued to affect maritime activity despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Data from Kpler showed that eight vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz during the day, matching Monday’s total. The traffic included five tankers and three bulk carriers. Of those, six vessels—three tankers and three bulk carriers—entered the waterway, while one gas carrier and one tanker exited.
Before the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran began on February 28, approximately 130 to 140 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day. Maritime traffic has since declined significantly following Iran’s closure of the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, an LNG tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) reappeared outside the Strait of Hormuz after loading cargo from Das Island. According to LSEG and Kpler data, the vessel Mubaraz departed Das Island on July 14 and was last tracked inside the strait on July 16.
LNG cargo heads toward India
Ship-tracking data showed the Mubaraz sailing off India’s western coast, with its cargo expected to be discharged at Dahej terminal in Gujarat on August 5. The voyage marks the third successful shipment from Das Island since the regional conflict began, following earlier deliveries to China and India.
ADNOC had not commented on the vessel’s latest voyage at the time of publication.
Bab al-Mandab traffic also stable
Traffic through the Bab al-Mandab remained equally steady, with 20 vessels crossing the strategic waterway on Tuesday. Ten ships entered while another ten departed, maintaining the same level recorded a day earlier.
The inbound traffic included six tankers, three dry bulk carriers and one gas carrier, while outbound movements comprised seven tankers and three bulk carriers.
However, analysts noted that some vessels may continue operating with transponders switched off, meaning they are not reflected in official tracking data.
Meanwhile, Qatar said mediators were making progress in efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States, contributing to lower global oil prices. However, Tehran continued to reject claims that direct negotiations with Washington were currently underway.
