Navigating Risks: Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflict

Fri Mar 20 2026 13:33:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The maritime landscape is shifting as nearly 100 ships traverse the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing threats from Iranian forces. This article explores the impact of the Iran war on maritime traffic, safety measures adopted by vessels, and geopolitical ramifications.

As the Iran war continues, under 100 ships have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz since March began, with a notable decrease in daily traffic. The article analyzes the safety strategies employed by ships, the involvement of Iranian connections, and the broader implications for global shipping routes amidst rising tensions and attacks.

Just under 100 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of March, according to data from BBC Verify, despite ongoing assaults on maritime vessels in the region by Iranian forces.

While some energy supplies and everyday goods continue to traverse this critical shipping route, daily traffic has plummeted by about 95% since the onset of the Iran war on February 28. In the period before the conflict, approximately 138 ships utilized the strait daily, responsible for carrying a significant fifth of the global oil supply.

Data from shipping analysts Kpler indicates that there have been 99 crossings this month, averaging only 5-6 ships a day. This analysis is crucial as it reveals the types of vessels attempting to navigate the strait and the associated risks they are encountering.

Approximately one-third of these recent crossings were undertaken by ships linked to Iran, including 14 vessels flying the Iranian flag. There were also reports of ships en route to India and some owned by firms with ties to China. Interestingly, several non-Iranian ships managed to dock at Iranian ports, with vessels owned by Greek companies reported among them.

In an effort to mitigate risks, certain vessels appear to be altering their typical routes, as observed in the case of a Pakistan-flagged oil tanker that navigated close to the Iranian coast rather than proceeding through the strait's center. Experts suggest this change may be a response to guidance from Iranian authorities.

Attacks on commercial vessels in the region have raised alarm, with 20 incidents verified since the conflict began, including the recent assault on the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which was hit by projectiles.

Navigating such volatile waters poses significant challenges, as multiple threats loomed over shipping, including drones, missiles, and naval mines. Iran's advantageous geography allows it to launch attacks that could catch vessels off-guard.

As fears persist over attacks and mine placements in the strait, many ships have opted to turn off their tracking systems to evade detection. This deliberate action complicates efforts for tracking companies, creating a game of hide-and-seek amidst rising maritime tensions.

In the face of adversity, the resilience of maritime operations sheds light on the complexities of global shipping and the precarious balance between maintaining routes and ensuring safety.