Daily shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted by 95% since early March, yet around 99 ships have still managed to pass, with significant ties to Iran and other countries observed.
Since the onset of conflict on February 28, daily maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has experienced a dramatic decline of 95%, which has led to rising oil and energy prices across the globe. Despite this significant drop, approximately 99 vessels have made it through the strait, drawing attention to intricate shipping networks and geopolitical ties.
An analysis by BBC Verify revealed that about one-third of these vessels have connections to Iran. Of the ships that passed, 14 flew the Iranian flag, while 9 were owned by companies with ties to China, and 6 were destined for India. This highlights the complex dynamics at play in a critical trade route that remains pivotal for energy supplies, particularly in the current climate of tension and conflict.
Additionally, it was noted that several ships without Iranian affiliations have docked at Iranian ports, including vessels owned by Greek companies. The persistent hostilities have also seen 20 ships targeted near the Strait since the conflict began, including vessels from Thailand, Greece, and the United States. These developments underline the heightened risks in maritime operations in the region, shedding light on the potential for further escalation and economic repercussions globally.
