Gaza Herald – Shipping activity in the Hormuz Strait experienced a further decline at the start of this week, following an escalation of attacks in the Middle East region. Initial data released by Kpler on Tuesday indicated that only four vessels crossed the waterway yesterday, Monday, down from ten the previous day.
Two dry bulk cargo ships departed the strategic passage, with one carrying a load and the other sailing empty. Meanwhile, two oil tankers entered the strait, both of which were navigating without any cargo aboard. These figures do not account for some ships that may have transited while disabling their Automatic Identification System transponders to avoid detection.
On Monday, the Iranian Fars News Agency reported, citing the Revolutionary Guard, that an oil tanker was hit by an explosion and caught fire after colliding with mines in the Hormuz Strait. The report did not specify the exact time when the incident occurred.
In the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Kpler data showed that 21 cargo vessels passed through yesterday, a decrease from the 28 recorded the previous day. The reduction in maritime traffic highlights the growing impact of regional hostilities on global shipping routes and commercial navigation safety.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
