Singapore: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains at very low levels as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt a vital route for global energy supplies, while a new escalation in Yemen has raised concerns about another major maritime route in the region.
Only four commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, September 17, according to preliminary shipping data from Kpler. The figure was down from six vessels on Wednesday and was far below the 10 day average of about 16 vessels.
The vessels recorded on Thursday included two Panamax tankers, one Supramax vessel and one Kamsarmax vessel. Three were entering the Gulf and one was leaving.
The figures may change because some ships switch off their tracking systems while travelling through conflict areas. This means that shipping data may not capture every vessel using the strait.
Before the current conflict, the waterway carried about a fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments. The continued decline in traffic has raised concerns about the wider impact on energy supplies and international trade.
The disruption is also being accompanied by growing security concerns. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had struck and detained the Togo flagged oil tanker Trend, claiming that a fire had broken out aboard the vessel. Iran said the tanker had attempted what it described as an illegal passage through the strait.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency had earlier reported a security incident about 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. It did not identify the vessel involved, and it was unclear whether the incident involved the Trend.
The situation is also becoming more complicated around Yemen. Iran backed Houthi forces have advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast and captured the strategic port of Mokha and several islands near the Bab el Mandeb Strait, according to reports.
Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes as fighting involving the Houthis has intensified. Yemenis have also been fleeing the fighting, with at least 125,000 people displaced across the country since the start of September, according to the United Nations.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait is another important maritime passage because it links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The United Nations has warned that the security situation around the strait has become increasingly volatile.
Commercial shipping through Bab el Mandeb has continued. Preliminary shipping data recorded 23 commodity vessels passing through the strait on Thursday, compared with a 10 day average of about 26 vessels.
The developments have particular importance for Saudi Arabia because the kingdom has also suffered damage to its East West oil pipeline. The pipeline connects oil producing areas in eastern Saudi Arabia with the Red Sea port of Yanbu and provides an alternative route for some oil exports.
Saudi Arabia is working to restore the pipeline's capacity and is also using alternative arrangements to move crude through Oman. Ship to ship transfers near Sohar have been used to help move some Saudi oil while the regional shipping crisis continues.
Oil prices remained above $100 a barrel on Friday despite falling for a third consecutive day as concerns about prolonged disruption to Saudi supplies eased. Brent crude was trading at about $104 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was around $101.20.
The market remains sensitive to developments around both Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb because disruption at either route could affect global energy supplies and shipping.
The maritime crisis is also taking a heavy human toll. The International Maritime Organization has reported 80 attacks on merchant vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on February 28. At least 22 seafarers have been killed, according to the organization.
In Yemen, the latest fighting is worsening an already serious humanitarian situation. The United Nations has reported civilian casualties and growing pressure on humanitarian operations as the fighting continues.
There are also signs of diplomatic activity. US President Donald Trump said he hoped the war with Iran was nearing an end and said he had received communication from Iran. However, there has been no confirmed agreement ending the conflict, and Tehran has not confirmed that direct negotiations with Washington have resumed.
China has also become involved in efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further. Beijing has privately urged Iran to help restrain the Houthis after Saudi Arabia sought Chinese diplomatic help, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where further diplomatic contacts could take place.
For now, however, the military situation remains active. Shipping through Hormuz is severely reduced, fighting has intensified in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and the security of another major maritime route is under growing pressure.
Restricted shipping, damage to energy infrastructure and continuing fighting are continuing to affect regional energy supplies, maritime security and international trade.