HAMILTON, Canada – Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains approximately 70% below pre-conflict levels as attacks on vessels continue, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO).
In its weekly report released Friday, UKMTO recorded 125 outbound and 129 inbound vessel transits over the previous seven days. The figures represented a decline from the 129 outbound and 146 inbound crossings reported during the preceding week.
The agency documented 12 attacks on vessels during the reporting period, including 10 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Gulf and another in the Gulf of Oman. Six vessels either continued their journeys or reached port, while one was lost and two were left disabled or unable to navigate. The outcomes of three other incidents remain unconfirmed.
Container Ship Sinks Following Attack
UKMTO reported that a container ship was struck by an unidentified projectile near Ras Shaykh Masud on October 13. The vessel caught fire and sank the following day. All crew members were evacuated safely, according to the agency.
The maritime authority warned that the actual number of attacks could be higher because many vessels targeted in incidents had not reported them.
Since the conflict began in late February, UKMTO has recorded 84 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
The continued attacks have heightened concerns over maritime security amid tensions between Iran and the United States over navigation through the strategic waterway. The strait is a critical passage for global energy supplies and other commercial shipments and remains a central issue in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by a ceasefire in April. Fighting later resumed as negotiations stalled, although the two sides signed a framework agreement in June.
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